Vicente Fox: The world is at risk if madman Donald Trump wins the US election

The whole world is watching in suspense as to what the outcome of the US presidential election will be later this year. Today, the threat is quite real: thousands of those involved in economic trade treaties are on the edge of their seats waiting for the final decision.

Right now, even though there's no winner yet, there's a collective feeling of instability and hostility inspired by the republican candidate: Donald Trump.

He's said that he will give jobs back to the American people through hermetic trading policies in the US that would make America leave the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) if Mexico or Canada don't agree to his terms.

In a speech made in July, he also expressed his desire to also renegotiate trade relations with China.

Trump's popularity is based on a growing fear among America's working class to whom globalisation means loss of jobs. This idea's become so dangerous that it puts the rest of the world at risk in 2017 and years beyond.

I know what American people are demanding: better labour conditions and safer work environments, which I believe are valid requests. What's not valid is to use people's needs and twist their concerns to blame others, the outsiders. This radicalisation only leads to violence.

A hostile environment for Germany was the perfect scenario for hateful speech against Jews that ended in the darkest episode of mankind in the last century. Like I said, it's valid to point out the problems and needs of the people without antagonising history and cultures.

Trump's xenophobic rhetoric has caused tension among investors and consumers inside and outside of the US. As a matter of fact, his whole rhetoric is like a virus, bringing out the worst of those in need. In a country where the people are divided, governance won't come easy: a country with a lack of trust represents a risk for its own economy.

If America lets a liar and a madman sit in the presidential chair, they're letting chaos and despair into their lives and into the lives of all the countries that look up to them as a nation

Donald Trump is gaining popularity by dividing the nation through hateful lies. This year, the UK provided an example of what happens when the bad decisions of some affect the reality and future of an entire nation.

Brexit changed the face of the UK and EU, causing economic and social instability.

One of Trump's most ridiculous 'policies' which has attracted attention and support, is his stupid "impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful and beautiful southern border wall" between the US and Mexico, that Mexico would apparently foot the $10bn bill for. He should know that a wall won't stop progress, a wall won't stop people uniting and nations from working together. If he hates outsiders so much, why does he use foreign labour to manufacture the stuff he sells?

A lesson, Mr Trump: walls don't work.

Mexico and the US depend on each other to prosper, to be successful in both human and commercial relations. If they let a liar and a madman sitting in the presidential chair, they're letting chaos and despair into their lives and into the lives of all the countries that look up to them as a nation.

Fear is the most destructive virus, and now it's infecting the American people. Today, they have the power to choose between shaping a story of greatness or choosing a maniac who will take this great nation to the dumps. America, what will you choose?

Vicente Fox was president of Mexico from 2000-2006