The aftermath of World War II marked a significant turning point in global governance, with the United States emerging as a dominant force that established a set of rules and institutions designed to or pretend to promote peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide. This new world order was architected through the establishment of international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, and several others like these, all of which aimed to foster cooperation among nations and prevent the kind of devastation witnessed during the war.
The fundamental principles underpinning this framework revolved around the promotion of democracy and capitalism, elements that the United States championed based on its dominant political, economic, and military capabilities. In essence, the U.S. became not only a key player in this intricate web of international relations but also one of its primary beneficiaries, reaping the rewards of a stable world that opened markets and alliances to the American way of life.
Trump sees diplomatic engagements and alliances strictly in the spectrum of economic gains
However, the arrival of Donald Trump on the political stage in the US society in general and in the White house as president for the second time in particular; heralded a radical departure from this established order. Trump approached international relations through the lens of a real estate mogul and dealmaker, viewing global partnerships more like business transactions than diplomatic alliances. Or in other words, Trump sees diplomatic engagements and alliances strictly in the spectrum of economic gains.
This perspective fundamentally changed the nature of America’s engagement with the world by ripping up the rules book that had been painstakingly crafted over decades. For Trump, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) is not a military and defense alliance anymore but a negotiation over financial contributions. He repeatedly emphasized how much the US is putting into the NATO in comparison to its European allies, essentially turning a collective security agreement into a matter of monetary obligation. This transactional viewpoint led to the American commitment to NATO becoming conditional, as he relentlessly pressurizes European nations to increase their defense spending.
Trump’s “America First” doctrine further illustrates his belief that foreign nations had disproportionately benefited from the global order while the US has suffered under its own rules
More importantly, Trump’s “America First” doctrine further illustrates his belief that foreign nations had disproportionately benefited from the global order while the US has suffered under its own rules. He repeatedly argues that longstanding trade agreements strained American workers and industries, leading him to propose tariffs as a corrective measure. This approach aims to discourage imports and incentivize companies to relocate their operations back to the U.S. Such tariffs will definitely reshape trade relationships, fostering an environment of economic nationalism that prioritizes American interests over global cooperation; which is truly unlike the previous history of the US.
The ramifications of Trump’s foreign policy extend beyond trade and security arrangements; they mark a significant shift in the very ethos of America’s role on the global stage. He tends to abandon the longstanding concept of the United States as the “Global Cop,” a nation committed to upholding human rights, democracy, and the liberal world order. This is evident in his decision to suspend foreign aid to countries that were deemed not to align with US interests, effectively signaling a retreat from the moral responsibility that many believed accompanied America’s superpower status. By prioritizing national interests and direct benefits, Trump has fostered an atmosphere of skepticism towards traditional alliances and commitments. His strict immigration policies and closer of several humanitarian programs is a major indication in this regard.
Under Trump’s lens, it is less about standing up against aggression and more about evaluating how such responses could be economically beneficial—or detrimental—to American interests
Similarly, his policy on Ukraine starkly illustrates this major shift in policy. During previous administration of Joe Biden, the US viewed the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a direct threat to democracy and a challenge to the free world. This issue was framed within the broader context of international security, requiring a unified response from Western allies. For this reason, the Biden administration stood with Ukraine and provided huge military and economic support. However, Trump’s perspective markedly shifted this narrative. He downplayed the conflict’s significance within America’s strategic priorities, framing it as secondary to more pressing domestic concerns. Under Trump’s lens, it is less about standing up against aggression and more about evaluating how such responses could be economically beneficial—or detrimental—to American interests.
A new paradigm emerges—one that leans heavily into transactional politics at the expense of cooperative internationalism
In essence, Trump’s administration reflects a mindset that consistently prioritized immediate gains over long-term strategy, often dismissing the ramifications of abandoning traditional alliances. His approach prompts not only a re-evaluation of the U.S.’s role in international diplomacy but also raises questions about the sustainability of the post-World War II global order. As the rules that had governed relations between nations begin to dissolve under Trump’s leadership, a new paradigm emerges—one that leans heavily into transactional politics at the expense of cooperative internationalism.
The implications of this shift are profound, leading to uncertainty about the future of America’s global influence. With the rise of new global powers and the potential emergence of competing spheres of influence, the stability that characterized the latter half of the 20th century is being tested. Trump’s foreign policy philosophy, characterized by skepticism of international institutions and a focus on bilateral deals, has raised critical questions about how the United States will interact with the rest of the world moving forward. Will the nation revert to traditional alliances and cooperative frameworks, or will it embrace a continued path of isolation and self-interest?
The way forward remains far less clear than it once was, signaling the dawn of an unpredictable and unstable era in global affairs. An era where, no one will be ready to trust the other, especially the US
As Trump continues to mold the narrative around America’s role on the global stage, these choices resonate far beyond the US borders, impacting geopolitics, economics, and the very principles that underpin international relations. The tearing of the established rulebook leaves nations grappling with the consequences, seeking to navigate a world that seems increasingly fragmented and uncertain. In this new landscape, the challenges are numerous, and the way forward remains far less clear than it once was, signaling the dawn of an unpredictable and unstable era in global affairs. An era where, no one will be ready to trust the other, especially the US.
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.
