Former US President Donald Trump is reshaping the global political landscape in ways unseen since World War Two, according to veteran journalist Lyse Doucet. His actions and rhetoric are sending shockwaves across traditional alliances and challenging the international rules-based order.
Trump begins his second term by declaring that “nothing will stand in our way,” invoking the 19th-century idea of manifest destiny. He openly states his intention to reclaim the Panama Canal and later insists that the United States must acquire Greenland, a move that alarms allies and diplomats worldwide. No modern US president has openly threatened to take territory from a long-time ally and govern it against the will of its people.
World leaders and analysts warn that Trump is breaking long-standing political norms. French President Emmanuel Macron cautions that the world is shifting toward a system where international law is ignored and power alone determines outcomes. Concerns are also growing that NATO could face serious strain if the US pursues such aggressive policies.
Trump’s supporters defend his “America First” approach, arguing that traditional global institutions have failed. Some US lawmakers even introduce legislation supporting Greenland’s annexation, reflecting how far political boundaries are being pushed.
Allies struggle to respond to Trump’s unpredictable leadership. Some attempt diplomacy, others adopt firm stances, and a few seek compromise to protect economic and security ties. European leaders express worry about trade wars, military alliances, and global stability, while Canada quietly begins to diversify its international relationships.
Trump’s leadership style remains transactional, blunt, and power-driven. Critics argue he views diplomacy as a deal to win, rather than a shared effort to maintain peace and cooperation. Supporters, however, credit his tough approach for pushing allies to increase defence spending and confront global threats more directly.
