Donald Trump is not an isolated phenomenon. It is an economic one that has to do with globalization. And populist factions are rising everywhere. A common narrative of being left behind is: “If we are disregarded or disrespected we get angry.”
Asia is insulated from these populist rising, it is believed, because of their resistance to immigration. This prevents the populist forces from rallying against a visible minority.
Population density possibly plays a role in populist forces rising — dense areas have comparatively higher economic prosperity and higher diversity.
The six constituencies that were activated in the last election that led to Trump being elected, according to Bill Bradley:
- Washington is corrupt — “drain the swamp.”
- People affected by economic change that isn’t just globalization but also by technology displacement.
- Republicans who vote no matter who is the candidate.
- Evangelicals who are challenged by immoral behaviors of the candidate — but we’re tired of Supreme Court rulings that were against their objectives, and they wanted the candidate to do what they demanded.
- Racists, always in American life, and pushed down since 1964 when LBJ passed civil rights act and voting rights act. But Reagan launched his campaign in Philadelphia and Mississippi — sending a signal. The candidate opened up overtly and legitimized their views.
- Anti-elitists — they felt they were not respected by secular Democrats and were trivialized and the news and professors were not talking about what they cared about.
“Today we decide elections in swing states due to how the electoral college works today.” —Francis Fukuyama
