In her commentary ("The dangers of elitism in politics and economics: A world of distrust"; Nov 17), Professor Janine R. Wedel pointed out the serious decline in the confidence people have in institutions in the United States, and that President-elect Donald Trump won by harnessing nostalgic yearning and nationalism, using vulnerable people such as immigrants as scapegoats.

An accompanying commentary by Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz ("What America's economy needs"; Nov 17) provides much insight into the many reasons for people's disappointment with the existing system, such as the government not spending enough on infrastructure building, innovation and basic research; the regressive tax system; worsening income distribution; and rules that benefit the well-off and not the ordinary people.

If the analyses are correct, then the Americans were voting for change.

Mr Trump will likely concentrate on key issues, such as rectifying or strengthening the principles or policies behind the great American Dream.

I do not think he would build a wall at the Mexico border, or set a 30 per cent to 40 per cent tax on certain imported goods, or chase out law-abiding immigrants.

He may make needed adjustments in the US' foreign relations and military engagement overseas, but will uphold America's influence in the world.

He would not like to be seen as a weak president abroad, and understands the grave political, social and economic consequences of a weak US leadership.

Should trust in the US in upholding world peace and justice tumble, the strength of the US dollar would suffer the first blow, which would seriously affect the US' role as financial centre of the world.

In the West Pacific, a weaker American presence would provide China, Japan and India with the golden opportunity to expand their political and economic influence here faster. Once that happens, it would be very difficult for the US to catch up in the future.

Albert Ng Ya Ken