(CNN)The US emerged from World War II as a superpower aiming to shape the globe in its own image. America’s alliance with European powers sought to prevent another catastrophic conflict by founding institutions dedicated to defending democracy, human rights and free markets across the world.
Even before assuming the presidency, Donald Trump was shaking confidence in these grand designs.
“It’s a global power structure that is responsible for the economic decisions that have robbed our working class, stripped our country of its wealth, and put that money into the pockets of a handful of large corporations and political entities,” presidential candidate Trump crowed to his supporters a month before they voted him into office.
