Latest | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWSToday, 21:47
The "Donald Trump phenomenon" continues to make waves in the United States. Trump has been on a winning streak in the Republican Party presidential primaries and caucuses, and is extremely likely to win the nomination and even become the next president of the United States.
The main reason behind Trump's rise is that he has succeeded in inciting xenophobia, racism and economic protectionism. Whether he is able to get the nomination or become president, the "Trump phenomenon" has brought a new crisis to the American and global economy. Governments around the world should face the crisis seriously and unite to find a solution.
At the root of the "Trump phenomenon" is the gradual decline of U.S. economic hegemony and American society's move toward becoming an M-shaped society, with polarized wealth distribution.
The frustrated, disappointed and anxious Americans, especially the working class, are venting their anger and discontent by supporting Trump, who has declared war on mainstream politicians.
Many working class Americans see themselves as victims of globalization and free trade deals. Trump has garnered wide support among these citizens by lashing out at free trade, threatening to levy high taxes on American companies that move their manufacturing overseas, and opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership pushed by U.S. President Barack Obama.
Trump has also targeted China and has threatened to show Beijing that "America is the boss" if he is elected president. Trump's anti-China policy proposals could cause a storm in U.S.-China relations, but it has received tremendous support from voters disillusioned by the demise of the "American Dream."
Trump also strongly opposes illegal immigration and opposes issuing H-1B visas to foreign professionals. He has also called Mexican immigrants "rapists," proposed setting up a wall on the Mexico-U.S. border, called for barring all Muslims from entering the United States, and said he would kill the family members of ISIS terrorists.
The Economist Intelligence Unit recently listed a Donald Trump presidency as among the top 10 global risks, ranking it in sixth place.
Trump has given rise to populism in the United States, undermining its position as a leader in the global economy and free trade, and as a champion of universal values such as freedom, democracy and human rights.
This is a crisis for the American economy and society, as well as a crisis for the global economy and the entire world. So far, it seems like other countries can only make a soft appeal to the American voters with the hope that the "Trump phenomenon" will gradually cool down. (Editorial abstract -- March 22, 2016)
(By Christie Chen)
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