US President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office for a second term. During this time, he has started a global tariff war, reduced foreign aid, ignored NATO allies and supported Russia’s narrative over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump has also publicly called for the seizure of Greenland, the Panama Canal and making Canada the 51st state of the United States.
During this term, Trump’s ‘America First’ program has alienated allies and emboldened opponents. His actions, as well as his unknown next plan, are raising concerns around the world. Critics say the deterioration of democratic practices in domestic politics and the Trump administration’s pressure on courts and universities have become a matter of international concern.
Shaking up the world order
A Reuters investigation, conducted by current and former government officials, diplomats and analysts from the United States and other countries around the world, found that some of the damage from Trump’s actions could be long-lasting. However, if he takes a flexible stance, it may not be completely irreversible. That is, it will be possible to overcome those losses.
Although Trump has somewhat moved away from his tough stance on some issues, such as the timing and level of tariff imposition; analysts say that there is little hope of any major change. As a result, many countries are already preparing to reduce their dependence on the United States and protect their own interests.
European countries are considering increasing investment in their defense industries. South Korea has begun discussions about developing its own nuclear weapons. Many also believe that the possibility of economic closeness with China has also increased.
The White House, however, has rejected Trump’s criticism. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement that Trump has brought Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, is stopping the flow of fentanyl (a drug ingredient) and is protecting American workers by taking a tough stance against China.
Storm in the global economy
Experts say that the global system built on the foundations of free trade, the rule of law and geographical integrity built over the past eight decades is now at risk.
Trump announced his global tariff policy, accusing most countries in the world of “cheating the United States” through free trade. This has created instability in global markets, the value of the dollar has fallen and the risk of a recession in the global economy has increased.
Meanwhile, Trump has almost completely changed the long-standing US policy on the war in Ukraine. He is prioritizing improving relations with Russia, and there are fears that he may even force NATO-backed Ukraine to give up its territorial claims.
Concerns in Europe
German Chancellor Friedrich Meier said that it is five minutes to midnight for Europe, meaning the situation is extremely critical. He warned that if Trump turns the ‘America First’ policy into an ‘America Alone’ policy, it will be difficult for Europe to maintain relations.
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric has also created instability in the world order. He has made exceptions to modern US diplomatic policy by talking about acquiring Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal.
Resistance to Trump
The European Union is already planning to impose counter-tariffs. Germany and France plan to increase defense budgets, which will increase investment in their own defense industries and open the way to buying fewer weapons from the United States.
Canada is trying to strengthen economic and security ties with Europe. South Korea and Japan are also changing their security policies.
Experts say some countries could develop deeper economic ties with China. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has already visited Beijing.
What does the future hold?
Analyst Aaron David Miller says it’s not all over yet. Trump can still make changes to foreign policy if he wants to.
But if Trump sticks to his hardline stance, it will be difficult for any future US president to re-establish US leadership in the world order.
Miller said the damage to our relationships with friends and the way our adversaries are taking advantage may not be fully understood right now.