The history of civilisation, it is no exaggeration to say, has been a history of globalisation. Most nations today are multicultural societies, drawing people, ideas and goods from across the world while striving for cohesiveness internally. Consternation, therefore, enveloped United States President Donald Trump’s recent tweets, telling four non-white Congresswomen to “go back” to where they came from. The Democrat-led House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning his “racist comments”. Although Mr Trump later distanced himself from those who channelled his remarks into vicious chants, a real danger remains that opportunists can use them to incite violence. The episode may also handicap US leadership on the international stage.

Mr Trump insists there is not a racist bone in his body and that his administration has done well by minorities. It is true that African-Americans have seen unemployment fall to record lows. But he has yet to make significant inroads to improve his appeal with the community, where just 8 per cent voted for him in 2016. Despite the US enjoying the longest economic expansion in its history, Mr Trump’s approval ratings still languish at well below 50 per cent. He trails in the polls. But the 2020 presidential election remains his to lose, given divisions in the Democratic Party and its lack of a clear and strong front runner. His hopes also rest on an outreach beyond his loyal base to swing voters in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin which paved his 2016 victory. But these voters are as guarded about him as they are about the four Congresswomen who represent the left-wing of the Democratic Party. By attacking them and forcing the party to defend them, pundits say Mr Trump hopes voters will lump them all as being unfit for the White House.