By Tonio Galea, Senior Editor, The Dispatch – CDE News
Donald Trump sees politics through a business lens focusing on deal-making. He aims to secure agreements that put American interests first often ignoring standard diplomatic practices. Indeed, his blunt unfiltered speeches and deal-based approach set him apart from past U.S. presidents.
The core of his foreign policy is the “Trump Doctrine,” an unofficial but clear philosophy that champions “America First”, an approach that stresses economic and security self-interest while cutting back on commitments to long-standing alliances and global agreements.
“The Trump Doctrine prioritizes national interests over international cooperation. This is evident in decisions such as withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, taking tough trade actions against China, and reassessing U.S. commitments to NATO.”
His approach turns U.S. foreign policy into a more go-it-alone, America-first model, forcing friends and rivals to adjust to a new way of handling world affairs.
“Trump’s first term in office was marked by an unconventional approach to diplomacy. He renegotiated trade deals, questioned NATO’s relevance, and held high-profile talks with adversaries like North Korea.”
Some experts say this showed a move to a new world situation, but others think it didn’t change how things work. Still, his plans set the stage for his second term where these trends have grown stronger.
Since his return back to power, Trump’s team has adjusted U.S. foreign policy, which has had big effects on Ukraine and the Middle East.
Ukraine and the European Union
“The U.S. has reduced its support for Ukraine with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth describing the return to pre-2014 borders as ‘not realistic.’ The government has also withdrawn its backing for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Instead, it is engaging directly with Russia – a move that has sidelined the European Union, weakened its global influence, and prompted a reassessment of its security strategy.”
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for a united “Army of Europe” to cut down on U.S. help and boost safety in the region.
“For the European Union, Trump’s actions have exposed weaknesses in its defence and foreign policy. With Washington prioritizing its own interests and taking a less active role, European leaders must consider a more independent and unified approach to global security.”
Middle East Dynamics
Trump’s second term has significantly increased U.S. support for Israel. The White House has supplied advanced weapons, such as MK-84 bombs, and strongly backed Israeli military actions against Hamas.
Trump has also proposed controversial ideas, including turning Gaza into a ‘Riviera’ and relocating large populations—plans that have faced harsh international criticism.
As global dynamics shift, the European Union’s influence has diminished. The EU remains committed to multilateral diplomacy, but the Trump administration’s preference for unilateral action challenges Europe’s traditional approach to Middle East policy. This reinforces the need for a stronger, more independent EU foreign policy to maintain credibility on the world stage.
Impact on Business
Trump’s ‘America First’ stance also impacts businesses and financial markets. Reduced international cooperation creates uncertainty in trade, disrupts supply chains, alters tariffs, and reshapes regulations. Meanwhile, shifting security landscapes in Europe and the Middle East increase political risks, influencing corporate investment and strategy.
For European businesses, weaker transatlantic alliances mean adapting to a world where U.S. support is no longer guaranteed. This calls for greater intra-European cooperation and new trade and security agreements. In the Middle East, companies must navigate growing instability as U.S. policies continue to disrupt established diplomatic frameworks.
Trump’s second term has reinforced a transactional, national-interest-driven approach to international relations. The European Union, once reliant on stable transatlantic ties, now faces greater uncertainty and must assert its independence. In the Middle East, shifting U.S. priorities are reshaping regional power dynamics, upending traditional diplomacy.
For business leaders and policymakers, one lesson is clear: the global order is changing, and adaptability is crucial. As Trump reshapes world affairs to fit his vision, countries must adjust to a more fragmented, self-interested era of international politics.
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