The recent actions of U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked significant concerns about their potential long-term consequences, both domestically and internationally. For decades, the United States has been a cornerstone of global stability and leadership, but Trump’s decisions in just over three weeks have left many questioning whether the country’s position as a trusted superpower is under threat. The world is now left wondering: can the U.S. still be relied upon, and will Trump’s second term accelerate the shift toward a new world order? These questions are central to a recent discussion hosted by journalist James Bays, featuring insights from three experts: Scott Lucas, a professor of U.S. and international politics at University College Dublin; Ibrahim Fraihat, an associate professor of conflict resolution at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies; and Roger Hilton, a nonresident fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a specialist on NATO and Euro-Atlantic security.
One of the key themes that emerged from the discussion is the importance of consistency in building trust. Consistency, the experts argue, is the foundation upon which international relationships are built. For decades, the United States has been a predictable and reliable partner, but Trump’s unpredictable behavior has left allies and adversaries alike struggling to understand his intentions. Lucas pointed out that Trump’s actions, while not entirely without precedent, have been so rapid and erratic that they have left even close allies like NATO members questioning whether the U.S. is still a dependable partner. This unpredictability, Lucas suggests, has created an environment of uncertainty that could have far-reaching consequences. “If a country’s actions are inconsistent, it becomes difficult for other nations to trust its leadership,” Lucas said. “Trust is not built overnight, but it can be destroyed in a matter of days.”
Fraihat expanded on this idea, emphasizing the potential damage to the U.S.’s reputation as a global leader. “When a country’s leader acts in ways that are perceived as impulsive or self-serving, it undermines the trust that has been built over years,” Fraihat explained. “The U.S. has long been seen as a stabilizing force, but Trump’s actions have called that into question.” Fraihat also noted that the impact of these actions extends beyond the political realm, affecting economic and social ties as well. “If the world no longer trusts the U.S., it could lead to a decline in international cooperation, which would have serious implications for global security and prosperity.”
Hilton, who specializes in NATO and Euro-Atlantic security, offered a somewhat different perspective. While he acknowledged the potential risks of Trump’s actions, he suggested that the U.S. still maintains a strong position within the international community. “The U.S. has a long history of leadership, and while Trump’s actions have certainly caused concern, they have not yet irreparably damaged the country’s standing,” Hilton said. “However, if these actions continue, it could lead to a shift in the global power dynamic, with other nations stepping in to fill the void left by the U.S.” Hilton also pointed out that the rise of a new world order is not necessarily a bad thing, as it could lead to greater multipolarity and a more balanced distribution of power. “A new world order could be an opportunity for other nations to take on more prominent roles, potentially leading to a more equitable and diverse international system.”
Despite these differing viewpoints, all three experts agreed that the next few years will be critical in determining the U.S.’s role in the world. Trump’s second term, should he win re-election, could either solidify the U.S.’s position as a global leader or accelerate the decline of its influence. The experts also stressed the importance of the U.S. returning to a more consistent and predictable foreign policy, one that reassures allies and demonstrates a commitment to international cooperation. “The U.S. has the opportunity to rebuild trust and reaffirm its leadership,” Lucas said. “But it will require a return to the principles that have guided its foreign policy for decades.”
In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges facing the U.S. and the world at large. While Trump’s recent actions have certainly caused concern, the long-term impact remains to be seen. Whether the U.S. can regain its position as a trusted global leader or whether a new world order will emerge depends on a variety of factors, including the actions of the U.S. government, the responses of other nations, and the evolving dynamics of the international system. One thing is clear: the world is watching closely, and the decisions made in the coming years will have far-reaching consequences for global stability and prosperity.
