Abstract:
Newly elected US president Donald Trump faces not only geo-strategic and global challenges but also domestic economic and political challenges. Confidence in US leadership has been undermined by the divisive 2016 election campaign and polarisation of the US public. President Trump faces a choice between reaffirming the hegemonic policies of past decades or succumbing to public pressure to downscale US commitments abroad, in short, a choice between engagement and isolationism. US allies, partners and adversaries will be obliged to adapt to whichever way President Trump turns.