By Aly Kamadia, Editor-In-Chief, iDose

After less than ten days back in the American presidency, we are witnessing Trump stampeding with full force.

It is important to be mindful that irrespective of Trump acting as if he is some sort of uncontested ruler, American democracy’s guardrails, though fragile, are in place.

We see the first glimpses of resistance from judges who are striking down some of Trump’s executive orders (e.g., birthright citizenship, pausing Trump’s aid freeze).

Meanwhile, much of the mainstream media has justifiably focused on the absurd moves that Trump is making. (Though this shouldn’t be their exclusive focus; for example, it would be nice if they seriously investigated why Trump, along with many radical political leaders across the world, have been gaining support in recent years.)

While the past ten days alone provide enough material to fill a book on Trump’s recklessness, it is notable that they have also confirmed another truth: Trump remains an utter buffoon, with the sort of distinguished mind that nobody envies.

As Editor-in-Chief of iDose Magazine, for our January issue, I could have chosen to roll out a number of articles that each discussed one of Trump’s many recent controversial moves.

Instead, for the most part, we feature pieces that engage with questions to more deeper and systemic issues—with the exception of two articles on the artificial intelligence and the Ukraine war. (On a side note, Trump claimed he would have the Ukraine war wrapped up within twenty-four hours of becoming president. As of this writing, I don’t believe Putin has even bothered to reach out to him.)

For instance, why do radical political leaders and parties in many countries continue to gain support?

Hint: Neoliberal Globalization’s income and wealth inequality have a lot to do with it.

To what degree is the US still a democracy and has it entered a new age of oligarchy – rule by the super-rich?

Hint: Even Joe Biden’s speechwriters, for his farewell address, highlighted the threat of an emerging oligarchy confronting American democracy. Biden can be forgiven for being a bit slow, as the billionaire class has had its paws on both parties for quite some time now.

Many in the West believe that humanity is inevitably moving towards progress. While we advance in science and technology, can we truly claim that we are advancing politically and morally as well?

Hint: This is a tricky question. But it’s important to note that blind faith is very different from logic and empirical evidence.

These are deep questions that merit much more than a handful of articles.

Though iDose Magazine’s January issue is a great place to start.

Aly Kamadia

Editor-In-Chief, iDose

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