Trump's and Obama's Views on Globalization Reflect Broader Gap
Donald Trump's vow to rip up free trade agreements and return America to "economic independence" is not only a strident counter to
President Obama's calls for a more interconnected world, but an illustration of a broader debate between advocates of globalization and those who oppose it.
"You can look at Trump's campaign as one big push-back against globalization, and the Britain vote too," said Daniel Cox, director of research at the Public Religion Research Institute, a non-partisan group that analyzes cultural, religious and political trends in the U.S.
In a speech last week,
Trump criticized a "leadership class that worships globalism over Americanism." ... a backlash, particularly on the right, to a long-held belief by party elites in the U.S. and Europe that open borders, pro-immigration policies, increased trade and overall international cooperation are the best ways to improve the global economy. ... The next day, Obama, in a speech following a meeting with other North American leaders in Canada, warned that pulling out of trade deals "is the wrong medicine for dealing with inequality."
Obama seems aware that his side is not winning the globalization argument. Even as he continually criticizes Trump, the president is acknowledging the concerns of voters here and abroad who have doubts about globalization. ... He added, "And politicians some sincere, and some entirely cynical will tap that anger and fear, harkening back to bygone days of order and predictability and national glory, arguing that we must rebuild walls and disengage from a chaotic world, or rid ourselves of the supposed ills brought on by immigrants all in order to regain control of our lives."
http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/trump-s-obama-s-views-globalization-reflect-broader-gap-n601901
The far-right views globalization ("Obamatrade" in their parlance) as a left-wing project. Many on the left view it as a right-wing project.