I ONCE HEARD a professor describe the United States as an oligarchy instead of a democracy. At that moment, such a claim seemed inaccurate and a bit exaggerated. However, the recent presidential election has made this idea appear more relevant. It is rather confusing to me how (it seems like) the majority of the American population despises President Trump, yet he is now the 45th president of the United States of America.
After the women’s march in January, Trump tweeted something that caught my attention. He said, “Watched protests yesterday, but was under the impression that we just had an election! Why didn’t these people vote?” Okay, Trump, you might have some accuracy in that claim. Did not enough Americans vote against the hate and racism they protest against? Or did most citizens think that the possibility of electing an inexperienced businessman was unreal?
One of the main topics addressed in a radio podcast by WBUR called "Is This The End of The American Hegemony?" is that of trust. With Trump’s administration, the globe is skeptical on whether other countries can count on the U.S. as a true leader. I agree with Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group and speaker of the podcast, that through Trump’s election, we have ridiculed ourselves as a nation and confirmed to other powers that we are not trustworthy. As he emphasizes, “The U.S. is incapable and unwilling in following through in their responsibilities. This will impact our reputation, investments, trading and even terrorism.” A change in America’s role in the world could definitely be “a backlash against globalization” if Trump decides to govern like he ran his campaign. As Bremmer mentions, “When you are a world superpower, the most danger you could do is to yourself.”
As a Mexican American, it is heartbreaking to think that the end of the American Hegemony could be over. For hundreds of years, the United States has been the first choice for migration for people all over the world. Growing up, I did not know much about America myself, except what I heard from my parents. “The U.S. has the best education, the most successful jobs, the most advanced technology and health care, and most importantly what Mexico lacks the most: safety. Residing in the U.S. is a privilege.” With Trump’s administration, the end to the American hegemony could be real―and that is scary. In the few weeks, he’s been in office, the man is already making major changes to the country’s laws on abortion and immigration.
The U.S. might not be the “ultimate balancer,” but for many, America will always be "the land of opportunity." After seven years of waiting, my mother recently obtained her green card, and I have never seen someone as happy and excited. This experience is true for many. No matter who leads this country, America is home to a wide range of people from all cultures, even those that do not hold American citizenship. Despite the fact that America might be in a state of retrogression and instability with this new election and the fact that China grows more powerful every day, I think that the American hegemony might be impacted, but it will never go away forever. This, like the Great Depression of the 1930s, is a phase that as a country, we will get through together.
WBUR podcast: "Is This The End of The American Hegemony?"
