Trump has buried liberal world order but what comes next could be better

Donald Trump's two terms in office have significantly disrupted the established liberal internationalist order, ushering in a more transactional and sovereignty-focused U.S. foreign policy. This approach, characterized by its emphasis on tariffs, alliance burden-sharing, and skepticism towards global institutions, has altered the narrative of American power serving a universal project.

The impact of Trump's presidency is particularly evident in the transatlantic partnership. His administration's criticisms of Europe's defense capabilities and political involvement have eroded the notion of the Atlantic alliance as the undisputed core of global order. Consequently, Europe is now reassessing its global role and pursuing strategic autonomy in a world less defined by U.S.-led blocs.

The current global landscape is increasingly multipolar, with middle powers hedging their bets and regional institutions gaining importance. Countries in the Global South are resisting alignment with fixed ideological camps. This evolving dynamic presents a potential opening for the United States and China to move beyond ideological confrontation and establish a framework for coexistence, strategic stability, and managed competition, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of the Thucydides Trap.