populism
As right-wing populism has roiled elections and upended politics across the West, there is one country where populists have largely failed to break through: Canada. [...] Identity works differently in Canada. Both whites and nonwhites see Canadian identity as something that not only can accommodate outsiders, but is enhanced by the inclusion of many different kinds of people.
Universities nowadays often must fight for their independence on two fronts, against autocratic governments and private interests from without, and against the threat from within posed by fiefdoms of jargon and self-righteous coercion. But success ultimately depends on convincing fellow citizens that what may look like a battle for the privileged few is a battle for the benefit of all.
The soft power capabilities of the EU are weakening for a number of reasons, including institutional confusion, Brexit, the Refugee crisis, terrorism, the rise of populism, resistance among member states to further enlargement given the Union’s economic problems. [...] Given this situation, political developments in the Western Balkans that have a direct impact on regional security must be closely monitored.
![Photo reprinted courtesy of Marco Verch via Flickr New York Post: President Trump, by Marco Verch](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/30264656083_f1a3309edf_k.jpg?itok=xzjlV18S)
How did it happen, and what will happen next?
The Old World is losing its “soft power”, its positive radiance and magnetism, as the support for the so-called “Brexit” becomes the symbol for the fear and rampant populism across the Continent. The Portland think tank’s “Soft Power Index” this year also found signs of Europe’s slide. The US has replaced Britain at the top and Germany has fallen from second to third place. And Canada bumped France down to fifth place.
Some Americans are wondering how we’ll be able to explain Donald Trump to the rest of the world, but they needn’t worry. Trump will be an all-too-familiar character in many countries because they already have their own version of him.
![Photo reprinted courtesy Matt Johnson via Flickr Donald Trump, by Matt Johnson](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/23975407111_1ef2aff544_k.jpg?itok=MSW_-40n)
Trump is nothing new if you've been following European politics.