Trump 2.0: redefining America’s role in the global order

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president. His attributes and speeches have left the world leaders uncertain about how he plans to lead the U.S. This study argues that Trump’s “America First” approach, characterized by isolationist and hawkish tendencies, challenges the liberal international order. Also stress its impact on U.S. alliances, particularly NATO, along with consequences for American influence in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Case studies, along with real-time incidents, have been used to explain what might happen in the forthcoming days. This study places significant emphasis on the choices of the leader and also emphasizes a pragmatic viewpoint to forecast potential scenarios, taking into account the experiences of both Trump and previous leaders. The study specifically considers Trump when determining the U.S.‘s future course. It has examined how Trump’s policies could worsen geopolitical tensions, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the increasing partnership of authoritarian states, while undermining U.S. soft power and diplomatic reliability. The study employs theoretical frameworks like realism, the Interpretative Actor Model, and the Rational Actor Model to show how individual leadership choices shape international relations. Eventually, it questions whether Trump’s leadership will redefine global order or lead to U.S. decline.