Emmott admitted that Berlusconi was the reason why he became passionate about Italy, saying they at The Economist declared him “unfit to lead Italy” on their cover in April 2001 for "reasons of principle," that had nothing to do with the sex scandals that made him notorious. They were against the seizure of executive powers in a western democracy "by a single, huge private interest, and against the erosion by that interest of the rule of law."

Since his election, Trump has refused to set up a blind trust to run his business. Passing its control to his family hasn't eliminated concerns about potential conflicts of interest, or Trump's ability to enrich himself through the presidency. Unlike all presidents before him he has withheld his tax returns, another source of information about how he makes money. His business dealings are still largely opaque, with his empire owing large debts - at least $650, some to the Bank of China and Deutsche Bank - according to an investigation by the NY Times.

Emmott recommends "six clear lessons for Americans and the world on what to expect from Trump." First - don't underestimate Trump, who "has defied expectations." There might be no "imminent downfall" or an "impeachment" as predicted. Berlusconi, a former crooner was ridiculed by critics - "too ignorant and inexperienced." Yet he became "one of the kingpins of Italian politics," won three general elections and served as prime minister for nine years. So "Trump’s critics – indeed, all US observers – should keep that in mind." The author may be right, but we shouldn't underestimate the Americans' desire for change after two consecutive presidential terms. If Trump survives the first term, he will be too old to run for re-election.

Second - the "permanent political campaign," that Trump will likely continue after being sworn in, is going to make it easier for him to bypass mainstream media that he hates, and break news himself. Unlike Berlusconi, who often "used television, especially his own commercial channels, to that end," Trump can rely on Twitter, YouTube, or even on talk shows, "to speak directly to the people..... fast and loose with the facts."

Third - the "victim narrative" - will be useful to Trump. Both he and Berlusconi promote personality cult and tell bald-faced lies. Despite their power and wealth, they need to rely on their followers' support to survive political attacks and purge. "Berlusconi consistently claimed that he was being attacked by the judiciary, by rival businessmen, by 'communists', by the political establishment," and Trump will tap into the same well of inspiration.

Fourth - "mudslinging is bound to happen." Berlusconi used his own media outlets to "smear opponents." Trump seems to have his own "chief mud-slinger" - Stephen Bannon, the newly appointed chief strategist, who ran the ultra right-wing Breitbart News. The two men indulge in the pursuit of publicity, using their advantages to intimidate opponents and critics.

Fifth - nepotism - both Berlusconi and Trump "prize loyalty above all else," and reward diehard supporters with top jobs, despite their lack of merits and qualifications. Trump's adult children has his ear ever since the beginning, and they "are supposed to run his business during his presidency." Even if they play no official roles, they will still be able to affect his decision-making, and benefit from his presidency to maximise business gains.

Sixth - the Putin factor - may have an impact on Trump's relations with Russia. Trump sang Putin's praises during his campaign and urged Russia to find Hillary Clinton's emails. Berlusconi and Putin are still friends and stay in touch. His "favorite overseas visits while in office were to Putin’s dacha and former Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi’s tent, not to boring European Council meetings or G20 summits."

The only difference Emmott sees is that "Berlusconi had no real agenda while in office," except to protect and "further his business and personal interests and nurture his own power by providing resources and favors to his supporters. His greatest disservice to Italians was his inaction in the face of economic stagnation, but at least he didn’t make it worse. Trump, by contrast, does have an agenda, however hard to read. Whether it will make things better or worse remains to be seen." Nevertheless there is hope that the American people and Congress will keep Trump in check, forcing him into a constitutional straitjacket that he will loathe.