In the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency, US foreign policy has undergone substantial shifts that experts describe as revolutionary and unprecedented in the post-World War II era. The period has been marked by significant actions, including the disruption of longstanding alliances, economic measures like tariffs, fluctuating military and diplomatic initiatives, and high-profile international negotiations. These developments have affected America’s standing on a global scale and elicited varied responses from allies and rivals alike.

The administration’s approach, largely driven by executive action, reflects a pivot towards an “America First” isolationist agenda. Key US alliances, particularly those solidified since World War II, have been strained or frayed. The Guardian reports that the dismantling of trust—a cornerstone of what was known as the Pax Americana—has created a challenging landscape for future diplomacy. Ivo Daalder, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former NATO ambassador, described the upheaval as upending over 80 years of American foreign policy and warned of the difficulty in restoring trust once it has been broken.

Institutional turmoil has accompanied the policy shifts. The Pentagon is reportedly in disarray under leadership criticised for erratic behaviour, while the State Department faces a significant shake-up under Marco Rubio, with traditional diplomats sidelined in favour of politically linked envoys who lack foreign policy experience. Additionally, critics have expressed concern that the reduction of USAID’s influence could diminish US soft power for generations. Steven Cash, executive director of the advocacy group Steady State and a former intelligence officer, highlighted risks associated with these changes, including the potential escalation to conflict due to perceived incompetence in strategic decision-making.

On the diplomatic front, the administration’s handling of conflict mediation has been notable. Trump briefly brokered a ceasefire in Gaza, but this did not endure, and aid to the region was subsequently restricted amid ongoing hostilities. Stefanie Hausheer Ali, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that the current focus appears diminished on resolving the Gaza conflict, with continued implications for Hamas’s influence and the humanitarian situation.

In Ukraine, the shifting US policy has been particularly consequential. The Trump administration halted military aid and intelligence sharing, signalling a strategic pressure campaign aimed at encouraging Ukraine towards negotiating with Russia. This policy contributed to tensions and internal conflicts within US leadership, including a reported Oval Office altercation involving Vice-President JD Vance. Observers note Trump’s inconsistent rhetoric towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, resulting in an unclear path towards conflict resolution. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented that Moscow remains focused on practical negotiations despite Trump’s public statements.

Diplomatic initiatives also extend to Iran, where the US, under Trump, is involved in attempting to renegotiate constraints on Iran’s nuclear capabilities after withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged ongoing talks but admitted substantial differences remain.

Economic policy has seen sweeping moves as well, with the imposition of comprehensive tariffs disrupting global trade and provoking tensions with allies and competitors alike. China’s leadership has sought to consolidate regional alliances in response, complicating the global economic landscape. Despite initial tariff hikes, recent reductions have been implemented, although tariffs against China remain a focal point.

The disruption in traditional alliances has stimulated Europe to pursue greater defence autonomy, exemplified by the European Union’s €800 billion plan on future defence capabilities. Some US allies are reconsidering intelligence-sharing arrangements amid uncertainties about America’s reliability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the sentiment that “The west as we knew it no longer exists,” summarising the profound changes underway.

In the Americas, the Trump administration’s actions have generated tensions with neighbours. Statements about reclaiming the Panama Canal and annexing Greenland, as well as remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st US state, have been met with criticism and electoral backlash. The Guardian notes that Canada’s Liberal party victory, marked by a significant swing in polling, was partly attributed to opposition to US tariff policies and territorial assertions.

Amid these wide-ranging policy shifts, the resettlement of Afghan refugees who aided US forces remains unresolved, leaving thousands in limbo. Shawn VanDiver, founder of the #AfghanEvac group, pointed to a lack of clarity and continuity in refugee relocation efforts spanning multiple administrations and stressed the importance of upholding American commitments.

Overall, the first three months of the Trump administration’s foreign policy have been characterised by rapid, dramatic changes that have unsettled historic international relationships, sparked institutional challenges, and created a complex and unpredictable global environment. The long-term consequences of these transformations continue to unfold as the administration balances competing priorities and navigates an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services