Several years ago, I argued that dehumanization had become an unstoppable force in our societies. Since then, the trend has only accelerated, climbing ever higher on the global index of misery. In the few independent media outlets and free forums that still exist, speculation about this phenomenon continues. Yet these discussions increasingly feel like rearguard battles. More and more media are being absorbed by owners who have no regard for free speech — and sometimes not even for truth itself.

Donald Trump’s extravagant policies have consequences for both the United States and the rest of the world. However, when placed in a broader context, these developments seem to be merely accelerating an already ongoing trajectory rather than creating it. Perhaps the rise of a president with his particular brand of leadership was even inevitable.