When Donald Trump took office as the 45th President of the United States in January 2017, he set the tone for what has emerged as a chaotic year for global politics, upending accepted norms on discourse and diplomacy.

An angry, blunt and dark inauguration speech claimed to represent the unrepresented and outsiders. But many saw it as an inward-looking manifesto of self interest, which espoused the politics of exclusion as the new President sought to secure his political base.

Trump set the tone for what has emerged as a chaotic year for global politics, upending accepted norms on discourse and diplomacy. Credit:Manuel Balce Ceneta

The tone of Trump's politics have troubled many across the globe, as he wantonly offends, makes policy on the run and even engages in social media thought bubbles about a dictator with nuclear aspirations in Kim Jong Un.

As 2017 winds down, it's worth reflecting on the tone of politics in 2017, who it serves and its implications in Australia.