The Elites need to try harder to gain legitimacy among the masses

BROWSE through your daily newspaper or surf the blogosphere and there would be someone there writing or chatting about the Big Issue of the Day: The growing political and economic strains between the "elites" and the people and the way this is going to affect the electoral balance of power.

 Indeed, much of the discussion about the two most recent dramatic political events - the decision by British voters to exit the European Union (EU) or "Brexit", and the American presidential election - have highlighted a new reality: Much of what the elites have been taking for granted about the need to strengthen multilateral regimes, liberalise international trade and reinforce the foundations of globalisation, is now coming under challenge from the people who have helped keep them in power.

 It is not only that voters are in a rebellious mood and are expressing their dissatisfaction with the current political and economic status quo in the United States and in Europe. If this electoral trend continues to gain momentum, it is likely that those players challenging the current global status quo could emerge the winners.