After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia became a democracy. I thought to myself that this will not last, Russia will revert to its tradition, Czarist authoritarianism. This pessimistic thought turned out to be correct.
If I think the same thing about us now, reversion to our tradition, this time democracy. This is an optimistic thought.
Political and cultural traditions traditions are very sticky and difficult to change.
Even at the top of his pre-inauguration honeymoon, Trump is incredibly unpopular. His agenda is unpopular. He only got a popular vote minority against a weak candidate.
I expect a White House hobbled by incompetence and and Congress dominated by infighting.
This does not mean we can not fight and relax, or that great damage may not happen -- especially in foreign affairs. It just means we should keep an eye on the long term