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The result of the presidential elections in the United States continues to provoke discussions and analyses about the causes of Donald Trump's unexpected victory, but even more questions about American politics in the next four years. Concerns revolve mainly around the implementation of Trump's contradictory and often "inflammatory" campaign statements. Naturally, reactions range from obvious disappointment to expressions of restrained satisfaction, with embarrassment dominating the field of international relations.

Undoubtedly, the provocative businessman-politician managed to mobilize a large part of the electorate that feels frustrated with growing economic inequality and the “hijacking” of the political system by institutionalized and well-organized interest groups, as Francis Fukuyama analyzes in a recent article in Foreign Policy. Curiously, he managed to attract those voters who feel harmed by the consequences of globalization within the very country from which this phenomenon originated and which, as an entity, appears favored (so far).

Any prediction about the success or failure of the new Presidency is risky and of course depends on the perspective (interests) from which each one approaches it. Of course, the USA, like all great powers, has the potential to recover and correct errors that may arise from wrong choices and policies. This potential is limited for smaller countries and especially for those that are vulnerable and threatened (for various reasons and causes).

The strongest concerns have been created among the allies and friends of the US worldwide since Trump's controversial election statements have given the stigma of the intention of an American distancing from the international system. A similar intention naturally comes in blatant contrast to the declared goal - by him - of maintaining American hegemony. The discussion is endless and repeated over time, about the need for greater participation of US allies in the American "umbrella" of protection that they have enjoyed for decades. Protection, on the one hand, costly for the provider but at the same time rewarding since it translates into political influence, military presence and significant economic penetration in various ways.

However, any American retreat, even if limited, will create local gaps in the already sensitive international environment with the numerous new claimants to regional hegemony. At the same time, the dilemmas of insecurity will be rekindled and will necessarily turn countries to the search for new “axes” and “protector” forces, as well as to the principle of “self-help”. However, it is possible that all these pre-election statements, in addition to their internal targeting, will also constitute part of pressure on friends and allies to increase their active participation in defense and security issues. In any case, a key factor will be the development of US-Russian relations. It is likely that the rapprochement of these two powers will be to the benefit of the stability of the planet and of our homeland. Historically, it has been proven that in times of tension in East-West relations, the role of neighboring Turkey (regardless of regime and form) is enhanced. A balanced relationship between Russia and the US will likely limit Turkey's maneuvering capabilities and its ambitions to emerge as a regional power in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

All of these are certainly estimates that can be overturned by the plans of the great powers or even be radically influenced by random events that bring about rapid reorientations of goals and alliances. Understanding the international environment, the correct positioning in "alliances" and "axes" is necessary, but the calculation of the weight of each country also depends fundamentally on its power. The concept of power is multi-level and refers to a variety of measurable and non-measurable factors (economy, demography, armed forces, society, leadership, etc.). The pinnacle of power, even today and rather with increasing trends, appears to be military power as the ideologies of neoliberalism seem to be retreating. However, military power is undoubtedly based significantly (also) on economic power. The role of international relations is also very important, but in our case there are probably significant limitations, without this meaning that there is no room for maneuver. However, all forms of power originate from people (citizens, voters) and are appropriately shaped by elected political leaderships, which in turn are influenced by the "elites" of each place. The last sentence also presents the main problem of our country with the inability to draw up and implement a stable strategy for acquiring power as a result of the structural dysfunction of institutions and the decline of values, with significant co-responsibility of all three parties (citizens, leaderships, elites).

So instead of celebrating, mourning, or remaining embarrassed by the election of Donald Trump, let us focus our efforts on rebuilding the "house," avoiding looking for external saviors or "dark" forces that are working towards our disappearance.