Since taking office, Donald Trump's foreign policy has diverged sharply from traditional diplomatic norms, causing strains in relationships with key allies, particularly in Europe. His \"America First\" doctrine emphasizes unilateral action and transactional deals over multilateral cooperation, undermining Western unity and casting doubt on the U.S.'s commitment to collective security and democratic values.
A prominent example of this shift is Trump's approach to Ukraine. Unlike previous administrations that strongly supported Kyiv, Trump's skepticism toward U.S. involvement has raised concerns among allies. His public labeling of President Zelensky as a \"dictator\" and his assertion that Ukraine \"started the war\" starkly contrast with long-standing U.S. policy.
Beyond Ukraine, Trump's overtures to Moscow and the exclusion of European allies from key U.S.-Russia negotiations have further questioned the reliability of American security commitments. European leaders, growing increasingly skeptical of U.S. leadership, are pushing for greater \"strategic autonomy\" and increasing defense spending. Trump's repeated criticism of NATO and his questioning of Article 5 have eroded transatlantic trust, intensifying worries about the weakening of Western unity.
This erosion of alliances doesn't stop in Europe. It contributes to the broader decline of multilateral institutions, as Trump's preference for strongmen and transactional deals over international norms accelerates the disintegration of the post-war global order. With multilateral institutions struggling to address global challenges like climate change and trade disputes, the U.S.'s retreat from its role as a guarantor of stability has intensified global distrust. This situation underscores the urgent need for more inclusive frameworks to effectively tackle these pressing crises.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
