As Donald Trump embarks on his new term, his vow to be a peacemaker has quickly come under scrutiny. While he aims to unify the nation and bring peace globally, his early actions and statements have led experts to question whether these goals are achievable, particularly when it comes to maintaining strong relationships with U.S. allies.
A Promise of Peace Amidst Aggressive Moves
In his inaugural address, Trump expressed that one of his proudest legacies would be as a peacemaker and unifier. He highlighted his support for a new ceasefire in Gaza as a major point of focus. However, his remarks were immediately overshadowed by more aggressive foreign-policy moves. Trump hinted that he would push Russia to make a deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a conflict that has stretched on for over three years.
Despite this assertion of seeking peace, Trump’s actions were also laced with confrontational rhetoric. His return to power was accompanied by familiar claims about taking back the Panama Canal, which the U.S. relinquished in 1999, and concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. This rhetoric echoed his earlier, more combative style of diplomacy.
A Confrontational Streak Remains Strong
Trump’s foreign-policy stance has always been somewhat contradictory.
While he expressed an intention to prioritize peace, he also took stances that seemed to favor military engagement and aggression.
His past term was marked by military strikes, such as the assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, alongside claims of keeping U.S. troops out of new conflicts and efforts to engage diplomatically with North Korea.
Experts like Benjamin Friedman, policy director at Defense Priorities, point out that Trump’s worldview is often marked by a mix of pro-peace and pro-confrontation impulses.
“He has a streak that is pro-peace and another streak which seems more confrontational and militarist,” said Friedman.
This unpredictability is a defining feature of Trump’s approach to global diplomacy.
The Tension Between Diplomacy and Hawkish Actions
Trump’s shifting stance is most evident in his approach to Latin America and China.
While he has made moves that appear more progressive, such as his stance on Ukraine and the Middle East, his hawkish tendencies remain strong, particularly in his dealings with China and his overall foreign-policy team.
Critics argue that Trump’s tendency to invoke threats of force to secure national interests mirrors the populist views of past presidents like Andrew Jackson.
Managing Relationships with Allies and Adversaries
Trump’s treatment of U.S. allies has also raised concerns.
In the past, he has referred to NATO allies as freeloaders and pushed them to increase their financial contributions.
His recent silence on U.S. allies during his inauguration raised eyebrows, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with leaders from Japan, India, and Australia, countries that China views as part of an effort to counter its rise.
Experts warn that Trump should be cautious in managing his relationships with allies, especially after the assertive foreign policy stance of China.
Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that the U.S. must be careful not to shift from being the principal provider of global security to a source of uncertainty.
Keeping friendly countries on his side will be essential as Trump seeks to negotiate new deals.
Trump’s Early Actions and Their Potential Impact
While some experts believe it’s too soon to assess the full impact of Trump’s actions, others see them as damaging.
Kori Schake, a former senior defense official under President George W. Bush, believes that Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization and antagonistic rhetoric toward Panama could undermine U.S. efforts to maintain peace and build strong international partnerships.
“Antagonizing Panama is counterproductive and will fan anti-Americanism throughout the hemisphere,” she said.
As Trump continues his term, the success of his peacemaking efforts remains uncertain.
His early actions have set the tone for what may be another turbulent period in global politics, and only time will tell whether his promise of unity and peace can withstand the pressures of his more combative impulses.
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