For Trump, international relations are akin to business deals, focused on immediate gains. Long-term alliances and ideological considerations often take a backseat to short-term, tangible benefits.
The return of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the US has rocked the global boat by disrupting global systems and alliances, and reshaping international relations. His worldview is characterised by nationalism, populism, and a transactional approach. His challenge to multilateralism is forcing the rest of the world to reevaluate globalisation and its benefits that have defined the global order till now.
Trump’s core belief prioritises American interests above global commitments, and fosters skepticism toward international bodies like the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organisation. He views trade deficits, military alliances, and foreign aid as inequitable burdens.
For Trump, international relations are akin to business deals, focused on immediate gains. Long-term alliances and ideological considerations often take a backseat to short-term, tangible benefits.
Trump opposes global interconnectedness, advocating for reshoring industries, restricting immigration, and reducing reliance on international supply chains. He favours unilateral action, such as imposing tariffs or withdrawing from key agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, often without consulting allies.
Trump has expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-un, praising their decisiveness, often in stark contrast to his criticism of democratic allies.
Trump has time and again criticised NATO, calling it “obsolete,” and demanded higher defence spending from allies, straining transatlantic relations. His questioning of the ’s NATO commitments has further unsettled European nations.
He announced America’s exit from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, a move that marks a retreat from multilateralism. This has eroded the trust among allies and created opportunities for adversaries to fill the void.
Trump’s disdain for international organisations like the WHO and WTO undermines their credibility and diminishes global cohesion.
Trump’s direct talks with Kim Jong-un in his first stint as president defied diplomatic norms. While tensions eased temporarily, no substantive progress on denuclearisation was achieved, leaving uncertainty in the region.
Labeling China a strategic rival, Trump has aggressively countered Beijing’s economic and military ascent. This policy shift defines -China relations and heightened global competition.
Recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and brokering the Abraham Accords reshaped Middle East geopolitics. However, critics argued these moves sidelined Palestinian concerns.
Trump’s rise emboldened nationalist movements worldwide, inspiring leaders like Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and Viktor Orbán of Hungary, both polarising politicians who adopted similar rhetoric challenging liberal democratic norms.
Trump has deepened ideological divides, alienated allies, and enabled rivals like China and Russia to expand their influence. His policies have forced a reevaluation of globalisation and fragmented the global order, leaving lasting effects on international relations.