Issue Overview and Spatial Significant (What is there? Why there? The issue is not the election of Donald Trump. He was fairly elected. Instead, the issue becomes what Donald Trump stands for. He has proven himself to be racist, he disrespects women, and has a tendency to shoot of insults the moment someone displeases him. The political movement that propelled Trump into power is populism, which harnesses the malcontent of a country’s citizens. At the heart of populism is the idea that regular people should have power over the government rather than political elites.
Patterns and Trends (Part of a larger pattern or trend in the region? Or is it isolated?): In recent years, there has been a rise in racism and xenophobia in Europe. This has been epitomized by the rise of the parties such as the National Front in France, Golden Dawn in Greece, and the AfD in Germany. This issue arose as a result of the economic situation in Europe in addition to the refugee crisis. The slowdown of economic growth in many European countries has led to discontent and the search for scapegoats. Populism is a euphemism to describe the fear-driven political movements of the world.
Geographic Perspectives and interrelationships (SPEEC, connections to studies in class): There are many social, political, and economical consequences to populism and Donald Trump. Free trade is often seen as a killer of jobs, and populist governments seek to re-establish tariffs which would increase the cost of living for many average citizens. Socially, it becomes acceptable to be racist and xenophobic and violate the rights of these normal citizens. In terms of the government and politics, as populism grows in size and strength, governments are more willing to enact irrational and radical policies to appeal to the masses. One example is Angela Merkel declaring a ban on the niqab.
Key Stakeholders (Who are the key stakeholders?) Foreign Countries: While looking to cooperate with the United States, it is often very difficult to deal with someone who is unpredictable, loud, and who loves to brag about his not small hands.
Minority US citizens: Many of these citizens now must live in a country where racism is acceptable. It is their home and they don’t want to move, but the idea of white supremacy appears to be running through the nation.
Donald Trump: Surprised by his own election, Trump has to somehow unite a divided nation. In the meantime, he is surely enjoying the benefits of his power. Issue Implications - Why Care (SPEEC Impacts)? When the leader of the most powerful country in the world can be an ignorant big mouth, one must consider the far reaching social, political, and economic impacts in daily lives. Now more than ever, it is important to encourage accepting social values and hold politicians accountable for their decisions and actions. Encouraging racism, endless bombing, and wall building should not be the basis of democracy.