The "America First" policy, which has been presented as the main approach of Donald Trump, the new President of the United States, not only contradicts the principles of realism in international politics, but also dangerously challenges many global values and institutions. This approach weakens alliances and the global order by prioritizing short-term U.S. interests and ignoring international commitments.
Lack of trust in relations with Canada and Europe
Trump's controversial statements, such as suggesting that Canada become the 51st state of the U.S., have caused serious concerns among allies. The Canadian ambassador in Washington considered this statement a "joke," but some analysts believe that European politicians took Trump's threats seriously. For example, the proposal to buy Greenland from Denmark provoked a strong reaction from Europe; to the point that German and French officials warned that Greenland falls under the European Union's defense clause.
In addition, economic pressure on Europe to reduce military costs could tarnish the image of the U.S. as a reliable partner among its allies and, according to some observers, turn America into a rogue power.
Impact on global alliances
One of the foundations of a realist foreign policy is strengthening alliances to contain common threats. However, Trump's emphasis on the financial contributions of NATO allies and bilateral relations will create serious rifts in transatlantic relations. This approach, especially in the face of challenges such as competition with China, believes in a unilateral approach. This is while the main threat of China is not merely military, but its political and economic dominance over the East Asian region, and the solution is to strengthen alliances in East Asia. Experts believe that this approach will weaken Washington's ability to manage China's influence in the long run.
Trump's handling of relations with Russia also, from a realist perspective, can have negative consequences for the U.S. The West's full support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and the heavy costs incurred so far in supporting Kyiv have shown that European countries emphasize maintaining alliances to manage global crises and do not tolerate contradictory approaches. However, Trump's conciliatory approach to the Ukraine war and his proposal to end it by granting concessions to Russia have caused concern among European allies.
Middle East policy; Blind support for Israel
Trump has also strayed from realist principles with policies such as unconditional support for the Israeli regime or constant threats against Iran. While realism emphasizes the use of diplomatic and military tools to create a balance of power, Trump often resorts to aggressive rhetoric and disregard for long-term consequences, which can increase allies' distrust in U.S. leadership.
Unrealistic economic policies
Trump's protectionist approach to global trade and pressure to use the dollar as the reference currency are other examples of deviation from realist principles. Unwarranted pressures on governments will only lead to a decline in trust in the global financial system led by the U.S. and weaken the global economic order.
Trump's "America First" policy, by weakening alliances and disregarding the consequences of aggressive behaviors, is seen as a misstep in the global order. Experts believe that the similarity of this policy to approaches that led to America's isolation in the 1930s, economic depression, and the rise of fascism, is a serious warning for the international order. Continuing on this path will not only fail to improve America's global position but could also pave the way for future crises.
NOURNEWS