​With the rising ‘right’ alignment of the entire world, nationalism and an evolved form of patriotism is rampant. Self-interest has always been the primary motive in the governance of nations, the only difference being that with the rise of the above phenomenon, we can now see it being expressed overtly. While some might label it as intolerance and not being liberal/secular enough, what prevails is that it is indispensable in matters of national interest.

My professor puts it well, “The International Relations is never black or white, wrong or right, it always will remain grey.” The faster we can come to terms with this, reject utopia and idealism while examining the West (or any place), and see it through their own lens of realism, the better we will understand how nations function, together but never really as one. Whether we like it or we don’t, that is how it will remain. Our job probably is to dream of a better future, a world without borders. Our Presidents’/Prime Ministers’ jobs are to think of the now, and to secure their own nations (and their own seats) and cover it with an eiderdown of economic stability. The end goals are clear, and there cannot be anything lesser than that expected from a government, but the means might not be justified. And that is where our morality stands torn. One man’s idea of fair is another man’s nightmare – but there isn’t much that we can do about it. The catch lies in accepting this.

You can only combat a rock with a rock; to meet it with roses is a beautiful idea but not functional.
Let us establish here, for once and for all, through the course of this article and the rest of my existence, that during his campaign Trump did not know how to communicate. He was ill-spoken and gross in his articulation of his extremism. But, he was honest. Or delusional. Whatever he was, he wasn’t pretentious to the point of sugary coma.

He did expose racism and bigotry, among other things, in America. Of course he did, because despite his obtuse stance, he got voted in and that is as indicative as it gets. Insecurity, threat and seeking the validation of superiority lies beneath the surface for most of us, we seldom bring it to light. When your Presidential candidate promotes it, you have a free license of doing so yourself and getting away with it. When you have a chance to secure your position, you pick the side which better serves your interest. That, probably, is what the Trump supporters were doing. Will you hate them, meet their hate with yours, for doing what their idea of right was?
A good friend of mine is gay. To him, Donald Trump is out to get his life. For someone who is an entitled heterosexual white male, Donald Trump might just make his life.

We all look at things through lens we have coloured ourselves, and choose the leaders we think we deserve. Owing to the fact that the number of people looking to firmly cement American superiority was greater in comparison of other sections of the voting populace, we all know how this choice came about.
As well informed adults, I think it’s time we learnt how to discern electioneering and vote bank politics from actual projection. How his campaign might be reflective, but not definitive of how his term is going to be.

With the win in his kitty, let’s see how long his fanaticism lasts, whether or not he changes tune. If he does, whether it makes America great(er). Again.
The USA is officially on the other side of the polls now. There is nothing that copious amounts of debate can do to undo it, hence leaving them redundant. While the citizens (rather, the electoral colleges of America) made their decision, the entire world went into a state of frenzy. I understand that America weighs heavy on the world order, and influences global conduct, policy and popular culture. But to use our preoccupation with the United States of America to overlook our own backyards is hypocrisy.
To everyone (specifically the uninvolved residents of nations detached from the cause) who commentated with such passion, calling it the day of gloom and how hope has passed on, never to return- tell me we do not have greater things to worry about, or even better, to restore our hope with. That we do not have the audacity of hope.
Through this entire ordeal, there is one thing I have constantly maintained. Reserve judgement and use it sparingly. It’s too early for cynicism. It makes sense when dismay follows action, not precedes it.
When and if detrimental action does come, I trust the global brethren enough to know how to mitigate it. I trust the people at the centres to secure their nations, even if out of personal gain over a social move. And I trust America to serve its national interest.
Today, it’s time to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Whether you agree with them or not, hate them or not. To try to see what they see, so they can one day witness what you do.
Let’s give some credit to the American voters, respect them for the decision they’ve made and watch the ones who didn’t vote in his favour turn this to their strength. Meanwhile, as global players, let us focus on finding ways to turn this to ours and cut the noise.
We didn’t vote and we surely cannot speak against the ones who did. But we can listen, and we will watch.
More than the Force, may your Nation be with you, Mr. Trump. Welcome to the jungle.