The Decline of the American Empire

Published in Le Devoir
(Canada) on 28 May 2016
by Léon Dontigny (link to originallink to original)
Translated from by Beth Holding. Edited by Melanie Rehfuss.
Donald Trump has turned the U.S. primary elections into the worst reality TV series ever produced. Likewise, the rise of a billionaire with no real presidential qualifications, aside from his financial empire, is the pinnacle of reality TV crossing the border into real life.

Paranoia led the public to vote en masse to regain their pride, their safety and the famous American Dream. Under previous Republican leadership, the world supremacy that America once enjoyed was largely crushed. The excessive desire to be rich once again provoked an unprecedented financial crisis and brought social injustice to its peak. Ironically, it may now be up to a Republican to redeem America and fix this mess.

Party authorities are facing a serious dilemma. Dismissing Donald Trump could very well lead to the outbreak of civil war. Supporting him – with fellow Republican Paul Ryan as a counterbalance – seems to be the only viable solution. Now only the final stage, with presumed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, remains. If the Democrats fall at the last hurdle, it’s highly possible the American empire could find itself in the hands of a real estate emperor turned head of state.

In his trilogy, Denys Arcand predicted both the decline of the American empire and barbarian invasions; it seems we have now reached this point. Only the future can tell if the prophecies of this filmmaker will continue into the days of darkness.


Donald Trump a fait des élections primaires américaines la meilleure série de téléréalité jamais produite. De même, l’ascension d’un milliardaire qui n’a de qualification présidentielle que pour son empire financier est l’apothéose de la téléréalité transposée dans la vie réelle.

La paranoïa a amené les gens du peuple à voter à des niveaux historiques pour retrouver leur fierté, leur sécurité et le fameux rêve américain. Sous le règne républicain précédent, la suprématie mondiale que ce pays a connue s’est considérablement effritée. La soif exagérée de s’enrichir a provoqué une crise financière sans précédent et porté l’iniquité sociale à son paroxysme. Ironiquement, c’est un républicain qui se présente comme le rédempteur providentiel de ce gâchis.

L’establishment du parti fait face à un sérieux dilemme. Destituer Donald Trump provoquerait une véritable guerre civile. Le supporter avec un colistier comme Paul Ryan en contrepoids semble la seule solution valable. Restera l’étape finale avec la candidate présumée Hillary Clinton. Si les démocrates retrouvent leurs démons qui les font cafouiller en fin de parcours, il est fort possible que cet empire se retrouve aux mains d’un empereur de l’immobilier métamorphosé en gestionnaire de l’État.

Denys Arcand, dans sa trilogie, a prédit le déclin de l’empire américain et les invasions barbares ; nous y sommes. L’avenir nous dira si les oracles du cinéaste vont se poursuivre avec l’âge des ténèbres.
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