This is the second of a five-part series looking at the key events and issues facing the world in 2017. Today, The Straits Times looks at the United States and top tests facing President-elect Donald Trump.
Unpredictable States of America
Lower taxes and more jobs - but not enough jobs. Uncertain health care for at least 6.4 million people. Higher prices at the store if there is a trade war with China.
These are only a few of the ways USA 2017 could be radically different for Americans, compared with USA 2016.
There will be no shortage of political activism as core issues continue to surface.
Jobs and the China dilemma among Trump's tests
REPEALING OBAMACARE
The Affordable Care Act has resulted in an estimated 20 million people gaining health insurance coverage between 2010, when it was passed, and early 2016 - what the US Department of Health and Human Services calls a "historic reduction in the uninsured".
But the world's wealthiest and most powerful country continues to struggle to fix its healthcare system, with studies showing that medical expenses are among the leading causes of bankruptcies in the US. Up to 29 million Americans remain uninsured.
Obamacare has been opposed by Republicans as too complex, too expensive and giving citizens no alternatives. House Speaker Paul Ryan has promised an "orderly transition to replace" it, but many Republicans want it repealed immediately.
