Ever since Trump assumed office as President of the USA, he has given the impression of being a man in a hurry. Several decisions have been announced, and observations have been made by President Trump in such a short time that many people across the world have started wondering whether the short-term and long-term implications have been carefully examined and assessed. While his staunch admirers in the USA have been showering praises on him for his quick decisions and what they perceive as bold moves to achieve his much-publicised “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda, a section of people in the USA and leaders in several countries abroad remain unconvinced.
Peace Initiatives
While Trump has attempted to create an image of himself as a champion of world peace and is making efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, the global impression is that his peace moves are heavily skewed in favour of Russia at Ukraine’s expense. The fact remains that this war was initiated by Russia, causing enormous damage and destruction to Ukraine’s infrastructure and resulting in the deaths of many innocent people, as well as forcing thousands to flee as refugees. While Trump has accused Ukraine and even criticised President Zelensky during his visit to the USA as an invitee, he has so far refrained from making any critical remarks about Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
However, in the case of the Israel-Gaza war, Trump appears to be firmly defending Israel’s actions rather than positioning himself as a peacemaker.
Several European countries have openly disagreed with Trump’s peace strategies regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and it is possible that, for the first time in recent years, European nations will refuse to follow the USA’s lead. This could mark a decisive turning point in relations between the USA and European countries.
Priority for Trade Tariffs
Trump appears to be obsessed with trade tariffs, and his latest move to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars into the USA has caused alarm in several countries, including traditional allies such as those in Europe. Reports suggest that some nations, including France, the UK, and Japan, are considering imposing retaliatory tariffs on imports from the USA.
While Trump seems to assume that such tariffs will hurt other countries, the reality is that they also significantly impact consumers in the USA. The USA is a large consumer-driven economy, and every nation is keen to export goods and services there. However, the reality is that several products are not adequately produced within the country, necessitating imports. In such a scenario, tariffs would lead to higher prices for American consumers, causing financial strain.
If Trump believes that making imported products more expensive will automatically lead to a growth in domestic manufacturing, this is unlikely to happen in many cases—at least not in the short term. Production costs in the USA remain higher than in some other countries, such as China.
Some critics argue that imposing unilateral tariffs could amount to a self-inflicted wound for the USA.
Is It Territorial Greed?
Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that Canada should be an extended territory of the USA have sparked global suspicion about his expansionist ambitions. Countries such as India and the Philippines have long accused China of territorial greed, and now Trump’s statements regarding Canada—along with his previous threats to annex Greenland and reclaim the Panama Canal—may lead to comparisons between his approach and China’s expansionist strategies.
How Pragmatic Is He?
Trump has made several decisions with far-reaching implications, not only for US citizens but also for countries across the world.
Observers are still anxiously watching how Trump will handle issues related to climate change, NATO, the WTO, the WHO, and many other global concerns. At present, he appears to believe that he has the right to act in any way he deems beneficial for the USA, seemingly confident that he will ultimately be proven right.
Only time will tell how pragmatic President Trump’s administration truly is.
