Challenges for minority populations in America and the world at large have resurfaced with the return of Donald Trump to the presidency. With multiple felony charges, including one accusing him of being involved with the Capitol attack, people have now granted this man another chance by electing him as the 47th president of America.

Trump’s last term saw him putting forth a reconciliatory approach in the Middle East and being too engrossed with domestic issues to pay much attention to the international scene. He put the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) for his need to be focused on domestic issues. Trump’s recent victory in the elections and subsequent policy announcements indicate a completely different and dramatic strategy for his new administration.

Trump’s aggressive policies risk destabilizing the global economy and alienating U.S. allies while emboldening adversaries like China and Russia.

Among the more controversial aspects of Trump’s new presidency are his brazen proclamations about annexing Greenland and exercising sovereignty over the Panama Canal. His imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada is just another sign of abandoning the Monroe Doctrine the doctrine whose primary aim was to limit foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere without blatant expansionism.

Even by Trump’s standards, the suggestion of renaming the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America” seems to have raised eyebrows among neighboring countries, evidencing a more belligerent and unilateral approach to foreign policy. These Machiavellian-like behaviors emphasize power and pragmatism rather than cooperation.

The new presidency of Trump admittedly has loud controversies, particularly his boisterous proclamations concerning annexing Greenland and commandeering the Panama Canal. His imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada is just one more example of a disavowal of the Monroe Doctrine as the doctrine whose primary aim was to limit foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere without blatant expansionism.

“Gulf of America,” proposed by Trump as a new name for the Gulf of Mexico, has ruffled a few feathers among neighboring countries and indicates a more aggressive and unilateral approach to foreign policy. It embodies reliance on Machiavelliism. Power and pragmatism take precedence over cooperation.

Besides these territorial ambitions, the Trump administration faces climate change as one increasingly growing challenge: rising temperatures throughout the globe and melting glaciers within the Antarctic region have added security concerns regarding the United States. For example, given new and changing water levels, it suffers significant trouble from the Panama Canal, which could link possible U.S. initiatives to counter the surging Chinese influence in maritime routes.

Annexation ambitions, such as Greenland and the Panama Canal, reflect a unilateral foreign policy shift away from multilateralism.

At the same time, melting ice in Greenland has opened up new routes for ship traffic, significantly cutting the distance between Asia and America for trade. Although Trump may publicly dismiss the very notion of climate change, the current administration has quietly fashioned all kinds of plans for annexation and control of climate-vulnerable Americas, essentially proving to remain along these new opportunities and threats that came within U.S. discussion.

The Pentagon report for the financial year 2024, however, points out U.S. goals of establishing the key strategic checkpoints and resource-rich territories globally, thus bearing alarm bells among Latin American nations. Trump’s expansionist policies threaten their economic and territorial interests, thereby destabilizing the region.

This aggressive posture has also brought a strong nationwide skepticism regarding the reliability of the United States as a global partner. Trump’s continued support for Israel and his nonchalant handling of its controversial actions further fuel the allegations of double standards with respect to international rules and thus undercut further the trust in U.S. leadership.

Domestically, Trump’s rhetoric and policies against minorities, particularly Islam immigrants, such as the LGBTQ+ community, and most other marginalized groups, have incited fear and uncertainty. It contravenes the U.S.-led world order which over the years has espoused liberal ideals and democratic values.

Instead of bringing unity across the nation and abiding by its founding principles, the administration’s divisive approach tends to widen societal fractures. The world is focused on Trump’s oath-taking ceremony and the policies he will pursue, especially on minority rights and partnerships with the world at large.

Talking about the challenges Trump faces, perhaps one of the biggest ones is the increasing flow of China. Even before sitting in office, he gave a hint of commanding a ban on TikTok and levying an increased tax on Chinese goods, which appears to suggest the starting point of a renewed trade war. These proposed measures are expected to ring out across the globe, giving huge reverberations that are bound to reach countries like Pakistan and other middle powers in terms of worsening their economic situation.

Climate change, despite being publicly dismissed, features in U.S. plans as melting glaciers reshape trade routes and territorial priorities.

For example, Pakistan depends on maritime trade for about 95% of its commerce. Any U.S.-China trade war or a fight for strategic waterways will revoke the global flows of trade and adversely affect the economies of many nations. In addition, the melting glaciers in Antarctica have given way for shorter distances of trade, thereby enhancing the competition over waterways. The investments China has made in this region, which amount to more than twenty billion dollars, have further deepened the concern of the U.S. that it could lose influence in these regions of great importance. This struggle is an instance of a wider cold war at sea, a factor that might alter the dimensions of trade internationally.

Trump’s imperial aspirations set on Latin America turn out to be a direct threat to that region. The effort put in by this government to tighten its grip over critical waterways and resource-rich territories has the potential of upsetting the economies in that region and, at the same time, undermining their sovereignty.

Add to all this that foreign policy must necessarily involve tariffs, threats of annexation, and bellicose rhetoric. As the United States withdraws from multilateral commitments, these have alienated traditional allies and emboldened adversaries like China and Russia. These powers will fill that void with partnerships and economic initiatives to extend their reach.

The cooperative and integrative strategy is what America must adopt to remain the global superpower. Trump is deteriorating America’s credibility and ability to lead by driving heavy tariffs upon this nation and enabling allies to wage war. Superpower has resulted from this scenario in which the global community is looking for the country to collaborate with it and offer solutions to traditional and non-traditional global issues such as climate change, which would require collaborative international efforts. Under Trump’s policies, this has largely been ignored and/or dismissed. The more the gains realized from unilateralism, the greater will be the isolation most likely of the U. S. from the world.

The future of U.S. dominance hinges on its willingness to embrace inclusive policies and foster trust among its allies and partners. The international community desires a superpower that can mediate conflicts, support sustainable development, and promote global stability. Trump’s administration must recognize that heavy-handed tactics, whether through tariffs or territorial claims, will only exacerbate tensions and hinder America’s ability to lead effectively. Instead, the U.S. should focus on strengthening multilateral institutions, addressing climate change, and fostering economic integration to ensure a stable and prosperous global order.

U.S.-China rivalry under Trump’s leadership intensifies economic challenges for nations like Pakistan dependent on maritime trade and global commerce.

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency will complete the turning point for the United States and the world. His aggressive policies, expansionist designs, and divisive rhetoric would destabilize the global economy, not only among friends but also erode trust in U.S. leadership itself. But there could be a little chance of salvation if Trump applies reconciliation instead of confrontation and addresses some of the past grievances with key U.S. partners.

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