Trump shows he plans to dismantle the US-led global order

The US-Led Global Order: A Brief Overview

The US-led global order, often referred to as the “liberal international order,” was largely shaped after the conclusion of World War II. It was characterized by key institutions like the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), all of which aimed to promote global stability, economic cooperation, and peace. The United States played a central role in creating and supporting these institutions, which were designed to prevent the kinds of conflicts and economic upheaval that had plagued the first half of the 20th century.

Central to this order were principles such as free trade, democracy, and human rights, as well as a belief in the importance of international alliances, particularly NATO. Over the decades, the US worked with allies to combat the spread of communism during the Cold War, promote economic development in the Global South, and support the rise of democratic governance worldwide.

Trump’s Challenge to the Global Order

1. Withdrawal from Multilateral Agreements and Institutions: One of the most significant ways Trump demonstrated his intention to dismantle the US-led global order was by withdrawing from or renegotiating key international agreements. For example:
   • Paris Climate Agreement: Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, a global agreement aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He argued that it was disadvantageous to U.S. industries and unfairly burdened American workers, prioritizing national economic growth over global environmental cooperation.
   • Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. This move was a direct repudiation of diplomatic efforts by the Obama administration to engage with Iran and the broader international community to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
   • World Health Organization (WHO): Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump announced that the U.S. would leave the World Health Organization, accusing it of being biased towards China and mishandling the global response to the pandemic. This move further isolated the U.S. from an institution central to global health cooperation.
   • Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Shortly after taking office, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the TPP, a trade agreement designed to counter China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. This decision marked a retreat from free trade principles and a move away from the kind of multilateral economic engagement that had long defined American foreign policy.
2. Economic Nationalism and Trade Wars: Trump’s economic policies were grounded in protectionism, which directly clashed with the global free trade principles of the post-World War II order. His administration imposed tariffs on a range of goods, notably from China, and renegotiated trade deals to secure what he saw as better terms for the U.S. This included:
   • Trade War with China: Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods and his aggressive trade stance against China were seen as part of a broader effort to challenge China’s rise as a global economic power. His “America First” approach reflected a desire to reclaim American manufacturing jobs and reduce trade imbalances.
   • Renegotiating NAFTA: Trump also renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While this was an effort to update the trade pact, it was also a symbol of Trump’s preference for bilateral over multilateral deals.
3. Undermining NATO and Traditional Alliances: One of the more controversial aspects of Trump’s foreign policy was his criticism of NATO and traditional U.S. alliances. Trump repeatedly questioned the value of NATO, suggesting that member countries should bear a greater share of the financial burden of defense. He even suggested that the U.S. might not come to the aid of its NATO allies if they were attacked, undermining the core principle of collective defense that has underpinned NATO since its founding in 1949.

Trump’s confrontational stance toward NATO allies, particularly Germany and other European nations, was seen as a direct challenge to the transatlantic bond that has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-led global order for decades. He pushed allies to spend more on defense, often in a manner that alienated European leaders and signaled a retreat from traditional U.S. leadership in global security.

4. Decreasing U.S. Leadership in Global Diplomacy: Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy often emphasized direct, bilateral negotiations over multilateral diplomacy. This was evident in his dealings with North Korea, where he engaged in high-stakes one-on-one summits with Kim Jong-un, despite criticism from foreign policy experts who argued that a more multilateral approach would be necessary for lasting peace. Trump’s rejection of long-standing diplomatic norms, such as the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris Agreement, and the TPP, indicated his preference for a world where the U.S. dictated terms rather than working within established frameworks.
5. Isolationism and America’s Global Role: At the heart of Trump’s “America First” approach was a desire for the U.S. to disengage from the world stage. While not explicitly isolationist, Trump’s policies reflected a belief that the U.S. should focus more on domestic issues and less on managing global crises. This was evident in his withdrawal from international conflicts, like the Syrian Civil War, where he ordered a sudden pullback of U.S. troops, and in his frequent critiques of foreign interventions, particularly in the Middle East.

The Consequences of Trump’s Approach

Trump’s efforts to dismantle the US-led global order were not without consequences. While his supporters argued that his actions made America more self-reliant and put the country’s interests first, critics warned that it weakened international institutions and alliances that have been integral to global peace and stability for decades. His policies risked undermining global cooperation on issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and pandemics, while also emboldening rival powers like China and Russia.

Trump’s presidency marked a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy, signaling a shift from internationalist ideals to a more nationalist and isolationist stance. While some saw his actions as restoring American sovereignty, others viewed them as undermining the very structures that had allowed the U.S. to play a central role in shaping the global order. Regardless of the perspective, Trump’s legacy in this regard left a lasting impact on international relations and posed challenges for future U.S. leaders in navigating the complex, interconnected world of the 21st century.