Given the trends in Europe - Brexit, Hungary, Poland - with far right parties perhaps set to win in France and Germany, it seems we may be willfully choosing to launch a new era of darkness. Fear and hate, embodied in xenophobia and extreme nationalism, are on the rise.  The EU is at risk - since the EU was formed, Europe has not had a war - the longest period of peace in European history.  If it breaks up, that long lasting peace is threatened. NATO has been a strong counter to Russia's ambitions. Trump may gut it.

Trump's election has given new life to the far right fringe (including some neo-fascist) candidates in Europe. Austria rejected this in the recent election, but not by much.  Marine Le Pen is more careful in her racist rhetoric than was her father, and she now has a good chance of winning.  Angela Merkel who has shown that she is  a "real" christian  instead of just posturing like most "christian" politicians, may not be able to retain her party's control in Germany.