Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Donald Trump’s victory in the United States signals a global shift towards protectionism. For the second instance, the American electoral college system has not favored female candidates such as Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris. Donald Trump has triumphantly secured the popular vote, along with majorities in the Senate, the Supreme Court, and potentially the House of Representatives, pending the final vote count. The Democratic Party’s defeat is largely ascribed to American voters’ dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and Trump’s pledges of tax cuts, increased tariffs, and his populist, anti-immigrant policies and xenophobic rhetoric.
This election, with Trump poised to regain power, marks a pivotal moment for Western civilization and its democratic values. The unbridled populist, known for his incendiary rhetoric against foreigners and minorities—vowing to deport the 11 million undocumented immigrants if re-elected—epitomizes the threat populism poses to democracy. His recent, astonishing claim that foreigners are consuming American dogs is a stark example. It is indeed ironic that the world’s leading democracy could produce such a figure of populism, presenting a profound contradiction and a lesson to be learned.
The message is clear: democracy is on the decline. This has become an accepted fact, a trend that began with the populist surge in Western Europe and has since spread globally. According to Senghor, North America, the mother of the United States, is facing a critical period with her offspring due to the threat posed by Trump. Despite being central to humanity’s future, humanitarian and climate concerns are disregarded by the “populist-entrepreneur,” a term coined by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser. The danger looms of this “madman” once again steering the world’s largest vessel.
Trump’s agenda is evident: he promotes authoritarianism and illiberalism, thereby eroding the democratic ideals and values of America. Regrettably, this rhetoric appears to resonate with certain voters who seem prepared to reject democracy—an unprecedented situation. Kamala Harris could potentially make a significant comeback in 2028 if conditions allow. Nevertheless, the coming four years may bring heightened examination of multilateralism and environmentalism, which have already been markedly affected by the contentious protectionist and climate-skeptical policies of President Donald Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2021.
President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017 is often recalled for the persistent inflationary pressures it placed on the prices of global goods and services. This was mainly due to strategic deregulation of the global economy and the adoption of protectionist policies by the leading world economy. The widespread inflation resulted from decelerating economic growth and rising unemployment in OECD countries and China. The decline in economic prosperity in the richest nations was chiefly caused by insufficient domestic economic policies that did not adjust to shifts in the behavior of economic agents, exacerbated by negative external factors like oil, health, or climate shocks.
The downturn in wealth production in some advanced economies had foreshadowed a shift in the capitalist economy’s organization, aiming to revert to former hegemonic practices by challenging the legal framework established by multilateralism in international trade. This shift has led to a rise in lawlessness, characterized by a system dominated by the mightiest. The trade war among nations, which predated the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), re-emerged with President Donald Trump’s ascent to power in 2017. The tension in global pricing can be directly attributed to President Trump’s protectionist policies, culminating in a trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies, the USA and China, underpinned by increased customs duties.
The current economic order, grounded in free trade and governed by WTO rules, is likely to be thoroughly scrutinized with the resurgence of a new economic paradigm marked by the dominance of stronger laws under President Trump’s leadership. From this standpoint, it appears evident that the suspension of customs duties granted to the thirty-two African nations eligible under the AGOA system will not be extended beyond 2025, coinciding with the agreement’s termination. Moreover, the global economic climate is deteriorating due to the severe impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect developing nations, impeding their economic development and exacerbating disparities and social unrest.
Amidst the projected global turmoil stemming from a resurgence of protectionism and the ongoing migration crisis, which have fueled populist and nationalist movements leading to authoritarianism amid economic conflict, it is crucial to remember that China once utilized military force to preserve the trade value of the ancient Silk Road, now revived as the New Silk Road. Similarly, Rome’s conquest of Egypt was a strategic move to secure its grain supply. Furthermore, the slave and colonial wars that dominated much of human history, along with the economic downturn of 1929 that precipitated the Second World War, resulting in widespread recession and unemployment, should not be overlooked. This period ultimately saw a redistribution of capital facilitated by the Marshall Plan.
The present global economic scenario, marked by diminishing productivity in developed countries, has reignited interest in Africa. The continent stands on the brink of growth, with vast prospects in sectors like energy, mining, agriculture, and its demographic dividend. However, as a region of great aspirations, Africa is vulnerable to external volatilities. It is imperative that Africa strengthens its safeguards to bolster its resilience against possible repercussions from the intensifying economic strife between the United States and China, further intensified by President Donald Trump’s re-election. This situation calls for the rapid finalization of economic and monetary unification efforts at regional and continental levels.
The re-election of Trump, described by Cecil Prieur in the newspapers as a “populist showman with a narcissistic obsession and notable immaturity,” sends a stark message to the global community that still aspires to a democratic ideal: “We Americans, once defenders and proponents of this political system worldwide, have chosen to abandon it in favor of populism.”
It is the fervent hope that the swan song will not be sung for American democracy. Populists should never sway to such perilous tunes. Especially when voters are presented with a credible alternative: Kamala Harris has tirelessly highlighted, throughout her campaign, the danger that Trump represents to democracy. A progressive with clear stances, she ironically positions herself as the defender of the remnants of the American democratic ideal.
Fatoumatta: The foundations of democracy are continually under siege by populist attacks. The United States, emblematic of the ideal of unity, finds itself at the center of this populist upheaval. Our nation has reached its limit. This challenge will be tough to endure. Echoing the insightful words of Hamidou Anne, “one does not negotiate with a fascist; one combats them.” It is incumbent upon Americans to prioritize their own democracy, thereby safeguarding this noble form of communal existence for those around the globe who still hold faith in it.
