Donald Trump has defeated Hillary Clinton in one of the most divisive elections in the US history. For those of us rooting for a graceful, professional, experienced first female politician to become the next US president – this is a bitter defeat and a reality check. Why did this happen? Why is everyone so surprised?

For 20-30 years liberal democracy and capitalism were the victors of the post-cold-war world. And while the West celebrated its high ideals and the prosperity brought about by free-markets, open trade and open borders they failed to notice that a large part of the electorate was left behind. Hard working, less educated and often rural people were facing changes, hardships and had little opportunities – often lacked a voice. A lot of these people lived in fear of change and fear often breeds anxiety, bigotry and misogyny. It is this fear that Trump used to sway the electorate his way with excellent execution. He was helped by a bombastic media looking for ratings and not facts, ready to ignore what is right.

This is a reminder that change comes slow and often with a price. The US took two steps forward by electing an African-American skinny dude with a funny name, who represented the world as liberals see it – colourful, open and always changing. Yet his vision came maybe too fast and was naive in thinking everyone would follow. And now the US is taking a step back to account for those who have been left behind.

The unfortunate thing is that Trump is anything but a champion of these people and they will pay a heavy price for their decision.