Making sense of the Trump phenomenon

Tokyo

NOW that a (Donald) Trump presidency in the United States is being talked of by some as more of a probability than a possibility, it is surprising that few have been tempted to use the word "trumpery" (meaning worthless, rubbish, nonsense, shallow or delusive) to describe his political philosophy.

It is also surprising that few have thought about what "Trumpery" could mean for the global economy. It could imply the end (or interruption, at least) of the process of globalisation - the integration of economies, industries, markets and economic policy-making around the world.

Some are speaking out. Fifty conservative foreign policy experts have joined the campaign to stop Mr Trump. In a letter arguing that he is unfit for the White House,the gr…