The world is currently witnessing changes in the international relations among states. The most surprising elements are the new policies of new American administration under Donald Trump’s presidency. Recently the American President scolded the Ukrainian President in the White House and accused him  of gambling with World War 3 (WW3).

This shift in American policies from former president Joe Biden to new president Donald Trump marks the era of uncertainty in America’s allies, as they do not see now Washington as a reliable security and trade ally. On the other hand the other major powers such as China and Russia are gaining more advantage in the developing states because of Trump’s current focus on America first policy.

The shift in American policies of not providing more aid and ammunition to Ukraine has resulted in a huge concern among EU countries and Britain

Let’s examine how American protectionism will hurt its status as a global power while other powers will try to gain more global influence in the developing states. The former American administration was providing ammunition to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. The European states mainly the European Union (EU) were also providing loans and aid to Ukraine due to American pressure and its old fear of Russia’s hegemonic history of controlling Europe.

The shift in American policies of not providing more aid and ammunition to Ukraine has resulted in a huge concern among EU countries and Britain. Initially, America was the state that pushed Ukraine to continue the war and not sign the ceasefire deal with Russia mediated by Turkey in 2023. Now European states have to fund this Ukrainian war without much of American support. This is the triggering point for European states and other world powers leading to evaluate their relations with America.

This American protectionism and not showing interest in being a leader not only is a concerning point for Europe but also for China and Russia

The summit held by England’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to show Europe’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war is the evidence that now European states have to re-evaluate their relations and pacts with America. This American protectionism and not showing interest in being a leader not only is a concerning point for Europe but also for China and Russia. This will result in decrease of American influence in its world power status.

The close cooperation in security and economic matters between China and Europe can result in the creation of new alliances and more power balance in the uncertain world politics of today

For China it is a big opportunity to get involved in European affairs and fill the gap which is being produced by American actions. Trump’s rhetoric of taking Greenland and Canada as part of America’s territory created political distance between America and its allies. Europe alone might not be sufficient to oppose Russian threat as America also pressurized Europe by using the Russian threat. The close cooperation in security and economic matters between China and Europe can result in the creation of new alliances and more power balance in the uncertain world politics of today.

The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea have met to discuss matters of common interests and security issues in the East Asian region

The other allies of America such as Japan, South Korea and Australia are also in a situation where they are seeing America turning away from its promises and guarantees made to defend its ally states. These states are evaluating their current relations with America and are trying to preserve their interests. The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea have met to discuss matters of common interests and security issues in the East Asian region.

This shows that Japan and South Korea are also watching the changes in American policies as a point of re-evaluation of their relations. The major impacts of the meetings could be the security agreements between China, Japan and South Korea in the East Asian region.

The developing states are also fearing the policies of America because of Trump’s policies against immigration and trade practices. This highlights the fact that America is trying to protect its economic interests by hurting the developing states economies. America has banned more than 50 states, fully and partially from visiting America which shows its protectionist policies.

This provides huge opportunities for China and Europe to help these developing states and create a win-win economic cooperation for all parties. African states have raw resources such as lithium, gold and cobalt which are a necessity of today’s world. China and Europe have great influence in this continent which can result in lower raw material exports to America, if it continues to follow its protectionist policies.

China has to go forward and make policies aligning with European interests to fill the gap which is being produced by American policies

To sum up, America is currently the world’s largest economic and military power. Under Trump’s presidency, the pursuit of America-first policies is resulted in a backlash from other regions. The European Union and Britain are assessing Trump’s policies and trying to defend Europe’s interests against Russia and America.

China is a bigger stakeholder in these changing dynamics because of its increasing influence in world politics. China has to go forward and make policies aligning with European interests to fill the gap produced by American policies. This will help China have a larger influence in the region, and then China can also resolve the Russian-Ukraine war situation because of its relations with Russia.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.