Aggressive Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy

Since President Trump resumed office, he has taken a series of controversial steps toward challenging international norms and policies, seen by some experts both within and outside of the United States as an aggressive measure. He could change the stance of the United States on the international stage. Among his aggressive proposals are plans to have Canada rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. His strategies, viewed by many as assertive and unilateral, have raised concerns about international stability, alliances, and sovereignty. Critics argue that such measures undermined diplomatic norms, while supporters claim they represent decisive leadership.…
February 4, 2025

Since President Trump resumed office, he has taken a series of controversial steps toward challenging international norms and policies, seen by some experts both within and outside of the United States as an aggressive measure. He could change the stance of the United States on the international stage. Among his aggressive proposals are plans to have Canada rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. His strategies, viewed by many as assertive and unilateral, have raised concerns about international stability, alliances, and sovereignty. Critics argue that such measures undermined diplomatic norms, while supporters claim they represent decisive leadership. The global leadership of Trump’s territorial ambitions may have potential consequences for U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

The “America First” Doctrine

President Trump’s foreign policy, the “America First” doctrine, prioritizes U.S. interests above multilateral commitments and international collaboration. This approach marks a significant change from the U.S.’s previous stance, where it played a leading role in supporting global institutions and forming international alliances.

One of the most startling features of Trump’s foreign policy is its unilateral nature. The administration has withdrawn from several key international agreements, including The Paris Climate Agreement (2017), The Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA, 2018), and The World Health Organization (2020). Recently, President Trump has again announced a withdrawal from the WHO, a second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and additional sanctions on Iran. These actions signal a shift from multilateralism and have raised questions about the U.S.’s commitment to global cooperation. They have attracted significant criticism from the international community and further isolated the U.S.

Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

Trade Wars and Economic Nationalism

The Trump administration has continued to prioritize domestic industries and jobs, at the expense of international trade relationships.

The U.S.-China trade war, which began during Trump’s first term, has escalated in 2025. The administration has imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, targeting sectors like technology and renewable energy. According to a 2025 report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, these tariffs have cost the U.S. economy an estimated $300 billion in GDP and resulted in the loss of over 300,000 jobs. China has also retaliated, further upsetting the global market.

an up-to-date chart on tariff increases, provided by PIEE

Renegotiation of Trade Agreements

The administration has also renegotiated important trade deals like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Some argue that these changes benefit American workers, but critics say have strained relationships with trading partners and disrupted global supply chains.

Challenging International Norms and Alliances

Trump’s 2025 foreign policy continues to challenge established international norms and redefine U.S. alliances.

The administration has maintained its distance from NATO, pressuring its members to increase defense spending. According to NATO’s 2025 report, European allies and Canada have increased their defense budgets by 10% in real terms since 2021. However, this approach has further strained transatlantic relations, with some European leaders calling for greater strategic autonomy.

Trump’s friendship with authoritarian leaders, such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un, has continued in 2025. While the administration claims these relationships are only cordial, critics believe that this shows a change in the U.S.’s stance on human rights and democracy. This may further isolate the U.S. from the international community.

Trump and Putin

Concerns About Conflicts and Hostile Takeovers

The administration has made controversial proposals, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”, and claiming Greenland and the Panama Canal. These gestures have been viewed as provocative, sparking a lot of outrage, and have strained relations with neighboring countries.

Trump’s policies in the Middle East have increased tension, particularly with Iran. The targeted killing of high-ranking Iranian officials in 2025 has created more tension, leading to fears of a broader regional conflict. According to the International Crisis Group, the Middle East is more volatile than in the past decade, and may soon descend into chaos.

Supporters contend that the administration’s assertive methods allow the U.S. to negotiate from a position of strength, securing better deals and deterring adversaries. For example, the renegotiated USMCA includes provisions that benefit American workers and industries.

The emphasis on protecting American industries and jobs is supported by many Americans. Already, Trump has begun mass deportations of illegal alien workers, secured the American border, and done away with several DEI policies. While this has sparked significant outrage worldwide, many American citizens support this action, in hopes that this will increase the number of jobs and the basic wages for Americans.

Long-Term Implications

The aggressive shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s 2025 administration has serious implications for international relations.

The unilateral approach has diminished the U.S.’s ability to lead through persuasion and example. According to the 2025 Global Soft Power Index, the U.S. has fallen to sixth place in terms of global influence, down from fourth in 2020. Many countries have expressed disapproval of some of the U.S.’s current policies, and this will reduce overall influence on the rest of the world.

Traditional allies, particularly in Europe, are increasingly seeking partnerships elsewhere, to reduce their reliance on the U.S. This trend could lead to a more multi-polar world order, with other powers like China and the European Union playing larger roles. Several other countries may also sever ties with the U.S. and form partnerships, diversifying international relations.

While supporters praise its focus on national interests and decisive leadership, critics warn of its potential to undermine global stability, destroy diplomatic norms, and weaken international alliances. As the world struggles with these changes, the challenge for the U.S. will be whether it can maintain its position as a force in global affairs. The coming years will be critical in determining whether this aggressive approach has long-term benefits for the U.S. or further isolates it internationally.  

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