Trump, Johnson and a trial for the rule of law

BOTH America and Britain flatter themselves that their political systems are admired all over the world. The US is the “leader of the free world”. The UK is the home to the “mother of parliaments”. The two countries see themselves as mature democracies; models that other nations can emulate.

But the last few years have shaken that Anglo-American complacency. Britain has suffered the agonies of Brexit and got through four prime ministers in as many years. The US saw Congress stormed on Jan 6, 2021, in what was essentially an attempted coup by an outgoing president.

The troubles of democracy have deep roots in both countries. But they are also closely associated with two individuals – Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.