Donald Trump Rules the Superpower That Is Not So Great Anymore
The U.S. president's euphoric self-image stands in stark contrast to the decline of his country, of which he himself is in the driving seat.
If you listen to Donald Trump, then the picture is clear: At the end of his predecessor, Joe Biden's, term in office, the U.S. was practically dead and despised in the eyes of the rest of the world. But in the 20 months of his own presidency, Trump claims, the country has transformed into the most powerful, successful and "hottest" nation in the world, commanding respect everywhere. This view also influenced Trump's speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
In it, he heaped praise on the U.S. economy and military strength, celebrated his diplomatic successes around the world, and threatened Iran with "annihilation." But he also promised an agreement with Tehran immediately after a Republican victory in the midterm elections.
Outside the MAGA world, experts, commentators and most representatives of allied nations are painting a very different picture: The U.S. under Trump has lost a massive amount of its global reputation, influence, and, ultimately, power. The trade wars with the rest of the world have not brought any economic benefits and have only created resentment. Trump's threats to annex Greenland have destroyed the trust of the European NATO partners, and last week's Greenland deal with Denmark hasn't restored this trust. In the Ukraine conflict, Trump's unilateral mediation attempts have only emboldened Vladimir Putin in his intent to continue the brutal war.
The attack on Iran hasn't affected the regime in Tehran, but instead, by closing the Strait of Hormuz, has put a powerful weapon in the regime's hand. The American missile arsenal's depletion, especially its air defense, has weakened the military power of the U.S. across the board because of the war in the Gulf. This hits Ukraine particularly hard, as it can barely protect its cities from Russian bombing raids.
Influence in Latin America
In his own Western hemisphere, Trump has recklessly jeopardized the important and, up to now, consistently smooth partnership with his neighbor Canada. The situation is different in Latin America: There, the U.S. has more influence today than in past years. But only in Venezuela is this a consequence of Trump's beloved hegemonic policies. In numerous other countries, the U.S. gains ground through "soft power" — a concept otherwise scarcely valued in Washington — thanks to the election victories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru — of politicians who admire and emulate Trump. Brazil could also follow suit with the election of Flávio Bolsonaro as president in October.
In the world's most important relationship, that between the U.S. and China, President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington on Thursday will reveal whether the signs point to reconciliation or conflict. What is certain is that Xi has recognized Trump's weakness, which confirms Xi's belief in the slow decline of the U.S., and will use it to further his own power. Xi is counting on Trump using the approved arms deliveries to Taiwan as a bargaining chip with Beijing — signaling that defending the island isn't particularly important to him.
Massive debt and uncertain economic policy under Trump are also eroding the dominance of the dollar and the U.S. financial markets. The U.S. is still the world's strongest economic power, with the largest military budget and vast technological superiority. But day by day, the Trump presidency is doing its part to ensure that the long-predicted decline of the superpower becomes a reality much sooner.
If you listen to Donald Trump, then the picture is clear: At the end of his predecessor, Joe Biden's, term in office, the U.S. was practically dead and despised in the eyes of the rest of the world. But in the 20 months of his own presidency, Trump claims, the country has transformed into the most powerful, successful and "hottest" nation in the world, commanding respect everywhere. This view also influenced Trump's speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
In it, he heaped praise on the U.S. economy and military strength, celebrated his diplomatic successes around the world, and threatened Iran with "annihilation." But he also promised an agreement with Tehran immediately after a Republican victory in the midterm elections.
Outside the MAGA world, experts, commentators and most representatives of allied nations are painting a very different picture: The U.S. under Trump has lost a massive amount of its global reputation, influence, and, ultimately, power. The trade wars with the rest of the world have not brought any economic benefits and have only created resentment. Trump's threats to annex Greenland have destroyed the trust of the European NATO partners, and last week's Greenland deal with Denmark hasn't restored this trust. In the Ukraine conflict, Trump's unilateral mediation attempts have only emboldened Vladimir Putin in his intent to continue the brutal war.
The attack on Iran hasn't affected the regime in Tehran, but instead, by closing the Strait of Hormuz, has put a powerful weapon in the regime's hand. The American missile arsenal's depletion, especially its air defense, has weakened the military power of the U.S. across the board because of the war in the Gulf. This hits Ukraine particularly hard, as it can barely protect its cities from Russian bombing raids.
Influence in Latin America
In his own Western hemisphere, Trump has recklessly jeopardized the important and, up to now, consistently smooth partnership with his neighbor Canada. The situation is different in Latin America: There, the U.S. has more influence today than in past years. But only in Venezuela is this a consequence of Trump's beloved hegemonic policies. In numerous other countries, the U.S. gains ground through "soft power" — a concept otherwise scarcely valued in Washington — thanks to the election victories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru — of politicians who admire and emulate Trump. Brazil could also follow suit with the election of Flávio Bolsonaro as president in October.
In the world's most important relationship, that between the U.S. and China, President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington on Thursday will reveal whether the signs point to reconciliation or conflict. What is certain is that Xi has recognized Trump's weakness, which confirms Xi's belief in the slow decline of the U.S., and will use it to further his own power. Xi is counting on Trump using the approved arms deliveries to Taiwan as a bargaining chip with Beijing — signaling that defending the island isn't particularly important to him.
Massive debt and uncertain economic policy under Trump are also eroding the dominance of the dollar and the U.S. financial markets. The U.S. is still the world's strongest economic power, with the largest military budget and vast technological superiority. But day by day, the Trump presidency is doing its part to ensure that the long-predicted decline of the superpower becomes a reality much sooner.
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