Trump’s not just building a wall, he’s building the Chinese Empire
His radical economic proposals to will rip up protections for working Americans, moving the sweatshop model home, writes Ziyaad Bhorat
America is not exceptional and South Africans should not believe its empire and dominance will last forever. Between 161-180 ACE Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire, one of the most renowned empires in history. As one of the last benevolent rulers of Rome he knew that all empires must end when he wrote, "Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too". Such is tragedy that when his megalomaniacal son Commodus acceded as emperor Rome began the descent "from a kingdom of gold to one of rust and iron", according to historian Cassius Dio. By the time Rome fell nearly 300 years later, it had become so divided and weak that it was really just an empire in name only. Today, Donald Trump’s dire assessment of American decline is actually justified — if perhaps exaggerated. As China continues to rise on the global stage, Trump’s "Make America Great Again" and "America First" come as shrill calls to the days when America’s dominanc...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.