Daily Times

Donald Trump’s recent victory in the US presidential election has sent shockwaves worldwide, leaving allies and adversaries alike pondering the direction he will take on both domestic and international fronts. Key allies like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – nations with longstanding bonds to the US and accustomed to its traditional, stable policy direction – are apprehensive about how Trump’s unconventional approach might alter America’s role on the global stage. Australian leaders, for instance, are particularly concerned that Trump’s decisions could disrupt established US stances on global issues, and defence packs, potentially unsettling alliances and undermining the norms that have governed Western diplomacy for decades.

As Trump prepares to assume office, he has already begun appointing top officials to his cabinet, hinting at the direction his administration may take. Known for his direct and often bold language, Trump’s appeal to a strong, nationalist stance with the slogan “America First” has tapped into a deeply held sentiment among many Americans. This slogan, resonant and simple, underscores his stance that the government should prioritize solving domestic issues before investing heavily in foreign engagements. His promises of focusing inward rather than outward – aiming to improve conditions for ordinary Americans instead of prolonging America’s role in international conflicts – struck a chord with his base. This approach contributed to his decisive victory over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and secured Republican control in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, giving him significant leeway to shape his agenda.

One of Trump’s primary campaign promises was to prioritize ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has already led to tremendous loss of life and economic devastation in both nations. Even before taking office, Trump initiated preliminary contact with Russian officials, signalling his intent to pursue de-escalation. His previous rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised hopes that Trump may succeed in fostering a dialogue that could halt the conflict. Trump’s approach, while unconventional, might offer a unique path to peace-one that leverages personal diplomacy and pragmatic, transactional bargaining to achieve results where traditional diplomacy has faltered.

As he assumes office, Trump faces the daunting task of balancing his promises to the American people with the complex realities of international diplomacy and domestic governance.

Trump has also committed to addressing the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a thorny issue that has defied countless attempts at resolution. During his campaign, he assured Arab American voters that he would make peace in the region a priority if elected, promising an intensified effort to broker stability. Now, as he takes office, Trump’s administration is expected to initiate efforts aimed at finding common ground between Israel and Palestine. While this promise raises hopes for progress in the Middle East, the realities on the ground present complex challenges. Trump’s close relationship with several key players in the region could, however, provide him with a unique advantage, as his willingness to engage directly with leaders on both sides may lead to dialogues that might not otherwise occur.

In South Asia, Trump has expressed an ambition to address the long-simmering dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan. He has hinted that he may try to bring both nuclear-armed nations to the negotiating table to find a resolution to the Kashmir conflict, which has remained a contentious and often volatile issue for decades. Although it remains uncertain whether Trump will succeed in brokering peace, his characteristic boldness and direct approach to diplomacy might yield unexpected breakthroughs. Given his inclination toward unconventional solutions, Trump’s involvement could foster dialogue that might help to ease regional tensions and bring stability to South Asia.

On the domestic front, Trump has pledged to tackle immigration reform, a key issue that resonated deeply with his voter base. He has emphasized that his administration will address the presence of an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants, many of whom have been in the country for years. Trump argues that these undocumented immigrants strain American resources, occupy jobs that could otherwise go to citizens, and contribute to security risks. However, Trump has made clear that he is not against legal immigration; rather, he insists that those entering the United States must do so through lawful channels. His stance has garnered both fervent support and significant opposition. For his supporters, this position aligns with their concerns about job security and economic stability, while critics argue that such measures risk inflaming social tensions and alienating immigrant communities.

Trump’s connections with influential allies in the private sector, such as Elon Musk, may also play a role in his governance. Speculation is already circulating that Musk could assume an influential position within the Trump administration, potentially allowing for collaboration on technology and social media policy. Musk’s presence could also empower the administration to exert pressure on nations like Pakistan, where restrictions on social media and freedom of expression remain problematic. Such influence may allow Trump to advocate for expanded digital freedoms and pressure international actors to uphold standards that align with his administration’s values.

Political scholars, including Stanford professor Stephen Kotkin, have weighed in on the unprecedented challenges Trump will face as he navigates US relations with rival powers such as Russia and China. In a recent interview, Kotkin emphasized that Trump’s foreign policy approach remains largely unpredictable, particularly in terms of his interactions with leaders like Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Today’s geopolitical climate is fraught with tensions: the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, an escalation in Arab Israeli hostilities, and rising antagonism between the US and China over Taiwan. Trump’s ambition to reduce US military spending on foreign conflicts is likely to encounter significant resistance from the American establishment and its allies, especially those heavily invested in NATO and European security arrangements.

Within the United States, Trump’s approach may also lead to clashes with the entrenched Washington establishment. His relations with mainstream media outlets are already strained, as his calls to shift the media narrative have been met with scrutiny. Trump’s ability to navigate these challenges while keeping the American public on his side will require deft handling of both media relations and public opinion. Critics argue that his approach to governing – focused heavily on direct engagement with voters and his populist messaging – could complicate his interactions with established institutions that prioritize diplomatic conventions and gradual policy development.

As he assumes office, Trump faces the daunting task of balancing his promises to the American people with the complex realities of international diplomacy and domestic governance. While he has pledged to focus on boosting the economy, addressing unemployment, and reforming immigration, the path to fulfilling these commitments will be challenging. America’s existing commitments to allies, the economic strain of global conflicts, and Trump’s desire to reshape US foreign policy all combine to make his agenda a formidable challenge. How he manages these demands will likely determine his success as a leader and the impact of his administration on America’s role in global affairs.

Ultimately, Trump’s presidency will be defined by his ability to reconcile his “America First” promises with the intricacies of global leadership and domestic expectations. His approach, characterized by unconventional diplomacy and a willingness to shake up established norms, may yield both successes and setbacks. Whether he can implement lasting change or simply add another chapter to America’s complex history of global engagement remains uncertain.

As he begins receiving briefings on pressing national security and international issues, Trump will be tested on his ability to govern effectively, manage crises, and meet the expectations of his voter base while navigating an increasingly multipolar world. The extent to which he can fulfill his ambitious promises and strengthen America’s position remains to be seen, but his influence on the future of American power will undoubtedly shape global affairs in profound ways.

The writer is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author. Email: shassan@tribune-intl.com.