Donald Trump’s ruthless victory places the world in a extra harmful place

The world is a more precarious, uncertain and dangerous place. The second Trump presidency threatens to be far more menacing and divisive than his first spell in office. This time, he is not just better prepared but more determined to wield the immense power of the Oval Office.

When the president-elect boasted he would be a dictator if only on day one, these words should not be dismissed as a throwaway remark, especially as those who acted during his first term as a restraining influence on his worst excesses have been dispensed with.

Trump won by stoking divisions and whipping up hatred. It is inevitable he will govern in the same way. There will be no let-up in the war on women’s rights. America will not be a safe country if you are a migrant or a member of a minority. The institutions which were designed to keep power in check will be eroded and undermined.

Those who deplore the prospect of a second Trump term must also ask why the Democrats were unable to defeat a convicted felon and sexual predator who had tried to instigate a rebellion against the elected government.

The inquest must also question not just whether Kamala Harris was the best candidate but whether the party had the right policies.

The dark shadow of Trump’s election stretches far beyond the American mainland.

Allies of the US must prepare for a new world order under a President who favours tyrants and strongmen such as Vladimir Putin over them. The future of Nato is in question, while Trump’s ambivalence about the outcome of the war in Ukraine should concern anyone fearful about the extent of Russian aggression.

Once again, he is likely to sabotage international action to tackle climate change. Britain should also be alarmed by Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on UK exports to the States.

This is a dark day for America and the world. The flames of democracy, unity and decency burn less brightly. The task now is to make sure they are not extinguished.