On April 27th, 2016, Professor Wenfeng Wang, a researcher at the Chinese Institute for Contemporary International Relations and editor in chief of Contemporary International Relations, visited Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and gave a lecture to professors and students of GDUFS, whose theme was "The Trump Phenomenon: An Investigation of the Deep-Seated Contraditions of American Politics and Society". The lecture was hosted by the Human Resources Division of GDUFS and the Center for Teacher Development of GDUFS, and organized by the Center for Canadian Studies of GDUFS. Professors and postgraduate students of CCS, postgraduate students majoring in international relations as well as professors and postgraduate students from other departments attended the lecture.
Prof.Wang addressing the “Trump phenomenon”
Professor Wang first pointed out that the “Trump phenomenon” is characterized by anti-elite actions, anti-establishment actions, anti-rational actions, negative sentiments and the inclination to challenge political correctness. Professor Wang presented Trump’s slogans and positions and generalized features of those who support Trump.
Then Professor Wang analyzed factors that incite contemporary American people’s strong sense of indignation of and concern about American society. The still high unemployment rate, the enlarging wealth gap, the trend of political fragmentation, clashes between two mainstream American value systems and so on all count as important reasons.
Prof.Tang presenting souvenir to Prof.Wang Wenfeng
In the end, Professor Wang encouraged professors and students to probe into the so-called “new normal” of American Politics.
During the lecture, Professor Wang interacted with professors and students actively, focusing on specific academic questions. The lecture was a great success.
Prof.Wang and the audience
