Readings and observations: Progress Center for Policies
Background and introduction:
The boldness with which President Donald Trump is reshaping the rules of American diplomacy has been striking. His statements have sparked intense debate and confusion, not only in Europe but also in many countries that are considered close allies of the United States. His threat to impose tariffs on America’s friends came at a bad time for many nations. With economic growth slowing in several G7 countries and governments struggling to manage inflation, the tariffs Trump threatens to raise could severely harm export-dependent sectors.
In reality, Trump’s geopolitical manoeuvres are decisively worse than trade measures. Many countries that have relied on U.S. security assistance, such as Ukraine and Taiwan, now fear being abandoned. Meanwhile, Greenland and Canada have been informed that they are on the list of potential U.S. territorial acquisitions. National leaders in Mexico, Canada, and Europe are scrambling to find an appropriate response.
Many political observers and media commentators have been quick to diagnose Trump’s actions. The Guardian newspaper in Britain wrote an editorial suggesting Trump was behaving in an irrational, vindictive and reckless manner, which signalled the return of far-right populists, lawless bullies and anti-democratic autocrats. A senior writer at CNN, Zachary B.Wolf , echoed this, writing that Trump was irresponsibly taking the Republican Party down a populist course. The BBC’s correspondent in the US, Tom Bateman, suggested that Trump did not have a proper grasp on policy and was just issuing mixed messages, especially on Ukraine and Gaza.
But there is another side to these political manoeuvres the world has witnessed in Trump’s first weeks that must also be treated with careful consideration. There are increasing analyses that point to a deliberate strategy that represents an entirely new playbook from Trump—one that involves abandoning the roles, institutions, and mechanisms that have ensured America’s global leadership and dominance.
Readings:
A recent analysis by Bloomberg focuses on Trump’s approach to Europe, particularly in light of his comments on Russia and Ukraine. It concludes that Trump’s abrupt dismissal of transatlantic security guarantees, in place since 1945, puts the continent’s future security at risk and signals a new era. It notes that at the recent Munich Conference, gasps and anxious side-glances gave way to silence when Vice President J.D. Vance took center stage, pouring scorn on America’s longtime allies and displaying a condescending attitude toward Europe.
It was a harsh reality check: Europe is no longer a priority for the president as it was for previous American leaders. Certainly, the U.S. will no longer waste time acting as the continent’s traditional security guarantor.
The New York Times described Trump’s approach so far as “closing the curtain on the American century.” The logic behind this new perspective is simple, as one observer put it: “My job is to advance American national interests, not waste taxpayers’ money.” Another analyst told The New York Times that there is no longer any doubt—the system built largely by American power over decades is now being dismantled. Referenced in the article, French political observer and analyst Arnaud Bertrand concluded frankly: This is the post-America world order—one that America itself is bringing about and is now eager to abandon.
In assessing the consequences of Trump’s indifference to maintaining support for the liberal international order, The Economist explored the impact on the Indo-Pacific region. While some analysts believe that reduced U.S. engagement in Europe could lead to a long-awaited “pivot to Asia,” which has largely stalled, it is becoming increasingly clear that America may simply do less and invest fewer resources everywhere.
Western commentators, according to the prestigious magazine, have speculated that a deal with Russia could allow the U.S. to focus on deterring China’s growing power. However, signs also indicate a comprehensive U.S. withdrawal, not just a partial one.
The Economist notes that the concept of “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow” is now more alarming and increasingly likely. One observer warned that Taiwan could become a “discarded chess piece” in the U.S.-China game if it continues to cling to America.
Conclusion and Implications:
– The radical shift in Trump’s administration from traditional U.S. foreign policy is not just a temporary change but a defining moment in a new geopolitical reality, requiring the abandonment of longstanding alliances, institutions, and security and financial commitments.
– The United States is actively dismantling the very system it once built. This is not a strategic recalibration but a complete disengagement from the world to focus inward on shaping its future.
– As America retreats, power vacuums will emerge, forcing allies to reassess their security dependencies to safeguard their futures and deal with rivals.
– A post-America world is no longer a distant possibility; it is unfolding now, reshaping the balance of power in ways that will define the coming decades.
