Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Apr 28: In the first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump has initiated a series of radical shifts in U.S. foreign policy, shaking up the global order that Washington has helped shape since the end of World War II. His "America First" approach has left allies uneasy, adversaries emboldened, and raised questions about the long-term stability of international relations.

Trump's actions have ranged from launching an unprecedented global tariff war to slashing foreign aid, alienating traditional allies, and courting adversarial states such as Russia. His rhetoric has been just as jarring, with proposals such as annexing Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, and even taking over the Panama Canal. These drastic moves have placed him at odds with established international norms and have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles worldwide.

Elliott Abrams, a seasoned conservative who has served under multiple U.S. presidents, remarked, "Trump is much more radical now than he was eight years ago." This observation reflects a broader consensus that the current president is more unpredictable and aggressive in his approach to foreign policy than in his first term. The world is left grappling with the uncertainty that Trump's erratic decisions have introduced.

While some of Trump's actions, such as imposing sweeping tariffs, have disrupted global trade and led to market volatility, others, like his overture toward Russia and shifting stance on the Ukraine war, have stoked concerns among U.S. allies in Europe and beyond. His disinterest in maintaining traditional alliances, particularly NATO, has alarmed many, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who expressed concerns about the future of U.S.-Europe relations, saying, "This really is five minutes to midnight for Europe."

The fallout from Trump's foreign policy has been felt around the globe. Some European nations are considering ramping up their own defense industries to reduce reliance on U.S. military hardware. In South Korea, the debate over developing a nuclear arsenal has gained traction, driven by fears that Trump's unpredictability could threaten their security. Countries like Japan and Canada are also recalibrating their strategies, looking to strengthen ties with other powers, including China, in response to the shifting dynamics of U.S. leadership.

Trump’s unpredictable and often confrontational foreign policy has led to new alliances and realignments, with some countries turning to China as a counterbalance to U.S. aggression. Beijing, seeing an opportunity, has positioned itself as a potential partner for those countries feeling alienated by Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, U.S. allies like Canada are exploring ways to fortify their security and economic ties to Europe, while South Korea and Japan are scrambling to maintain their relationships with Washington amidst growing disillusionment.

Despite the disruptions, the Trump administration has continued to assert that its policies are achieving results, including pressuring Iran, holding China accountable, and negotiating with Ukraine and Russia. White House spokesman Brian Hughes defended Trump's approach, stating that the president’s actions were necessary to address global challenges and protect American interests.

Yet, public opinion in the U.S. has been less supportive of Trump's foreign policy, with a significant portion of Americans, including many Republicans, expressing concerns about his close alignment with Russia and his expansionist rhetoric. Polls indicate that many Americans, and even some within his own party, are uneasy about Trump's aggressive stance on foreign policy.

The stakes are high, as the global system, built on free trade, respect for territorial integrity, and rule of law, faces unprecedented challenges. Trump’s departure from multilateralism, combined with his transactional approach to diplomacy, has left the world questioning what comes next. The long-term damage to U.S. credibility and international relationships may be difficult to undo, even if a more traditional president were to take office in 2028.

For now, world leaders are adapting to Trump's disruptive foreign policy, making strategic adjustments to secure their own interests. Whether these changes will be permanent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump’s first 100 days have irrevocably altered the global order, and the ripples from his policies will be felt for years to come.