The main outcome of the American election is that Trump, as a politician, has officially entered a "fading-out" phase — Gia Nodia

Political scientist Gia Nodia writes on social media:

"The main outcome of the American election is that Trump, as a politician, has officially entered a 'fading-out' phase.

One might argue that this would have happened regardless, as the final two years of his second presidential term have begun. However, following such a painful defeat, this 'fading out'—or the 'lame duck' status—will become especially pronounced.

Trump told voters: 'Imagine that my name is on the ballot, and make your decision based on that.' The people took him at his word and cast their votes specifically against him.

Now, what interests me most is what will unfold within each of the political parties. Trump held total control over the Republicans, even though many of them were not particularly fond of him. The reason for this is simple: Republicans who openly opposed Trump—such as Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and others—were forced to leave politics. What will happen now?" Will an association with Trump, conversely, become a liability?

On the other hand, following the defeat in 2024, some level-headed Democrats spoke of the need to transform the party—specifically, by sidelining its ideologically extreme wing (referred to at the time as the "woke" faction). However, Democrats are unlikely to be in a self-critical mood now. Within their ranks, the far-left wing—the "Democratic Socialists"—is gaining strength; roughly half of their supporters and leaders identify as communists (so, do not mistake them for people akin to moderate European social democrats).

The core strategic question is this: will extreme polarization persist, with radical elements holding sway in both parties? Or will more moderate, centrist forces gain ground? The latter would be a positive development, but there is currently no sign of it happening.

In any case, Trump was on his way out regardless; now, he will depart in an even more weakened state.

P.S. Most importantly: fears regarding the collapse of American democracy have not materialized. Two years ago, people were angry with the Democrats and voted for Trump; now, they are angry with Trump and have supported the Democrats—in other words, just as things often go in democracies. The Republicans also calmly accepted the results; there was no repeat of January 2021”.