Trump with his statements pour water on Putin and other despottes mills / LR1 / / / Latvian Radio

trump’s Foreign Policy: A Shift in global Dynamics

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, his governance has implemented policies that signal a significant shift in US foreign policy.These actions, while generating controversy and debate, are rooted in a clear “America Frist” approach, prioritizing national interests above international alliances and cooperation.

Trump’s erratic and frequently enough impulsive style has led to confusion and uncertainty among America’s allies, while his rhetoric towards adversaries like Russia and China has raised concerns about a potential return to Cold War tensions.

maris Andžāns, Director of the Geopolitics Research Center and Associate Professor at Riga Stradins University, offers insights into the implications of Trump’s foreign policy for the world stage.

“America First” and the Retreat from Global Engagement

andžāns highlights the “America First” approach as the defining characteristic of Trump’s foreign policy. This nationalist stance prioritizes American economic and security interests above international cooperation and commitments.

“If so far, Americans have maintained a system based on World War II, which is based on national cooperation, the Western world that rotates around the organizations,” Andžāns explains, “Currently, the US is obviously more retreating. The US can afford it and if we look neutral, the US has no owes anything.”

This approach manifests in the suspension of foreign aid to most countries, a move that threatens decades-long partnerships and raises questions about American leadership in global affairs.Andžāns notes that this isolationist sentiment resonates with some Americans, who question the value of costly international commitments.

Trade Wars and Tensions with Allies

The initiation of trade wars with canada, Mexico, and China further illustrates Trump’s focus on unilateralism and protectionism.These actions harm global economic stability and damage relationships with crucial trading partners.

Trump’s administration has also threatened additional tariffs against the European Union,including Latvia,which could have a significant impact on the Latvian economy.

These decisions raise concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance and undermine the principles of free trade and global economic cooperation.

Russia and the Resurgence of Cold War Tensions

Trump’s statements regarding Russia and other global rivals have fueled fears of a resurgence of Cold War tensions.

While Russia is not at the top of Trump’s “enemy list,” his rhetoric towards Putin and his willingness to challenge established international norms raise concerns about American security commitments and global stability.

Andžāns cautions against taking Trump’s words literally, but acknowledges the potential dangers of his rhetoric, stating: “Another feature of Mr. Trump is that he gives with one hand, taking with the other. If there is a grain of rationality here and there is indeed a national security issue in the US, but of course, the way in which he does in his inauguration speech, saying that he will take the Panama Canal back, as well as recent statements about the possible takeover of the Gaza Strip.”

Defining his foreign policy relies heavily on nationalist rhetoric and an “America First” approach, potentially jeopardizing long-standing alliances and fueling uncertainty on the world stage.Whether Trump intends to reshape the global order or simply pursue a more assertive form of american dominance remains to be seen.

Though, his actions have already sparked significant debate and concern among both allies and adversaries, leaving the future of international relations hanging in the balance.

How does Trump’s “America First” approach impact global cooperation?

Trump’s Foreign Policy: A Shift in Global Dynamics

Welcome to archyde News, today we have a fascinating discussion with Maris Andžāns, Director of the Geopolitics Research center and Associate Professor at Riga Stradins University. Professor Andžāns, thank you for joining us.

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration, the world has witnessed a important shift in U.S. foreign policy, marked by a nationalist “America First” approach. Today, we explore the implications of these changes with our expert guest.

“America First” and the Retreat from Global Engagement

Professor Andžāns, you’ve pointed out that the “America first” approach is central to Trump’s foreign policy. Can you elaborate on how this manifests and what it means for global cooperation?

Absolutely. the “America First” approach prioritizes U.S. national interests above international alliances and cooperation. We’re seeing this in the suspension of foreign aid to many countries, which threatens long-standing partnerships and calls into question American leadership on the global stage. Trump’s supporters at home argue that the U.S. can no longer afford to be the world’s policeman or banker, and they’re eager to see Washington focusing more on its own challenges.

Trade Wars and Tensions with Allies

Trump’s trade policies have created quite a stir. can you discuss how these actions, like the initiation of trade wars with Canada, Mexico, and China, are impacting global economic stability and relationships with key trading partners?

Indeed, Trump’s unilateralism and protectionist policies have disrupted global economic stability.His threats of additional tariffs against the European Union, including Latvia, have raised concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance and the principles of free trade. These actions harm economic growth and undermine relations with crucial trading partners. the U.S. and its allies need to work together to address common economic challenges, but Trump’s approach makes that cooperation more difficult.

Russia and the Resurgence of Cold War Tensions

Trump’s rhetoric towards Russia has fueled fears of a return to Cold War tensions. How do his actions and statements regarding Russia and othre global rivals influence global stability?

While Russia may not be Trump’s primary target, his rhetoric and willingness to challenge established norms raise serious concerns. His declarations about taking back the Panama Canal and claims aboutpossible U.S. intervention in the Gaza Strip are alarming, even if they’re meant to be provocative. The irony is that Trump’s approach could end up alienating American allies and emboldening U.S. rivals, making the world a more volatile place. It’s crucial to remember that great power competition is a complex matter, and dealing with it requires balance and nuance, not just bluster.

Looking Ahead: Reshaping the Global Order or Asserting Dominance?

Lastly,professor,Trump’s foreign policy seems to be defined by nationalist rhetoric and an “America First” approach. Do you think his ultimate goal is to reshape the global order, or is he simply pursuing a more assertive form of American dominance?

That’s an excellent question, and it’s one that observers will be grappling with for some time. While Trump’s focus on American interests is clear,it’s less certain whether he aims to fundamentally reshape global arrangements or simply assert U.S. power more aggressively. What’s clear,though,is that his actions have already sparked significant debate and concern among both allies and adversaries. The world is watching,and the future of international relations hangs in the balance.

Thank you for joining us today, Professor Andžāns. Your insights have certainly given our audience much to consider. To our readers, we welcome your thoughts and comments on this interview and the shifting landscape of global diplomacy.