What the Trumpocalypse (or Hilarocracy) Means for Czechia

The world is watching the 2016 United States presidential election, as the country prepares to elect the successor to Barack Obama. Democrat Hilary Clinton would be the country’s first female leader, while Republican rival Donald Trump might be a first in a lot of other areas.  

Both candidates have some strong ties to the Czech Republic.

The Donald’s first wife, Ivana, was born in Zlín and attended Charles University in Prague. The couple had three children – Donald. Jr. and Ivanka, both prominent figures in their father’s campaign, and younger brother Eric – who can be considered half-Czech.

While effects from either side are certain be felt locally, it’s unlikely the election of either candidate will have a specific impact for the country; Clinton might have stronger political ties to the Czech Republic, but current president Miloš Zeman’s pro-Trump remarks could cancel that out.

Still, foreign policy between the two candidates differs dramatically, and the outcome of the election could have a pronounced impact on the rest of the world.

In Europe, Clinton’s globalist policies would likely include strengthening ties with the EU, and assisting the Union through the murky Brexit process.

Trump’s isolationism, meanwhile, would likely lessen any impact of the US on the affairs of either the EU or NATO, of which the Republican has been an outspoken critic.

The Czech Republic might also feel repercussions of the candidate’s differing views on Russia; while Hilary is likely to take a strong anti-Russian stance that might include increased support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, Trump would certainly take the opposite approach – which happens to fall more in line with the views of the current Czech president.

Clinton, meanwhile, has professed support for the Transatlantic Trade Agreement between the United States and European countries.

So who will it be? The results will be known in a matter of hours, but the long-term effects are still to come.