Behind the recent strong statements of the US in European politics are unease not only on the continent but also signals turning-point changes on a global scale.
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| America is undergoing a comprehensive "revolution" under Donald Trump 2.0. (Source: Getty) |
Over the past three days, Europe has experienced consecutive political shocks as the US made strong statements: the Trump administration announced direct negotiations with Russia on Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance criticized the way Europe treats its citizens right in Munich, Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth affirmed that Europe must take care of its own security... These developments are just the "prelude", signaling a profound change in the US's global strategy, reshaping alliance relations and establishing a new world order.
The United States is undergoing a comprehensive “revolution” under President Donald Trump – a dramatic shift not only in domestic policy but also in global strategy. This is not a simple adjustment in policy, but a systematic, intentional restructuring by the Trump administration, aimed at eliminating the factors that – according to their new thinking – have held the US back for decades: a mounting public debt, a stagnant bureaucracy, rigid regulations that stifle innovation, and a foreign policy system that no longer serves the core interests of the country.
Meanwhile, the world has changed. China has risen strongly, challenging the US's global leadership role on all fronts, from economics, technology, military to political influence. And Europe? The old continent is still stuck in the old mindset, unable to adapt to a new reality that the world order they once knew no longer exists. This article does not discuss the right, wrong, good or bad of this policy, but tries to sketch a true picture of what is happening in reality to have the most objective and comprehensive view possible.
Trump's America does not simply want to maintain its superpower status, but also to shape and "renew" itself to face the biggest challenge of the 21st century. Washington clearly understands: To win this strategic competition, America needs to be stronger, more proactive, and more flexible.
But more importantly, the US under Trump 2.0 is not only restructuring based on economic and security interests, but also on a conservative ideological foundation. This makes the US redefine friends and enemies according to new criteria. If in the past, the US prioritized cooperation with Western allies on the basis of common history and institutions, now the conservative ideological factor plays an increasingly important role in Washington's diplomatic strategy.
Changing thinking about friends, enemies and the new globalism
For decades, the United States has been the guardian of global institutions, a system dominated by the United States and Western countries and therefore “willing” to put the common good above their own interests. But the United States under the 47th White House owner has raised the question: Is this model still suitable in the current context, or is it weakening America itself?
The obvious answer is that America needs a new model, one that does not give up its superpower status but also does not accept unnecessary responsibilities.
Alliances are no longer the default. America no longer assembles allies based on history, but on who can truly contribute to the common good, economically, militarily, and ideologically.
Regarding the restructuring of NATO and security relations, allies, especially European ones, no longer enjoy unconditional protection. They are forced to prove their role in the new system, otherwise the US will look for other more suitable partners.
The expansion of US influence is more flexible. While the US previously focused on multilateral institutions such as the EU or the WTO, Washington now prioritizes bilateral cooperation, where it can ensure greater efficiency and avoid unnecessary political constraints.
This shift puts Europe in a passive position. The US no longer sees Europe as its ideological “brother,” but rather as a separate entity dominated by radicalism, unlikely to contribute substantially to the new US strategy. Germany, Britain, and France—three key US allies—are all now led by left-wing parties or heavily influenced by radicalism. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump and American conservatives see the world through a different lens: Conservative ideology is the pillar that defines strategic partners.
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The "all roads lead to Beijing" approach is pervading all of Washington's domestic and foreign policies and strategies. (Source: CNN) |
Restructuring the economy to be stronger, more proactive and less dependent
Under Trump 2.0, the US economy is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring to increase internal strength and reduce dependence on other economies. The new administration has determined that a true superpower cannot rely on external resources, but must be self-sufficient and dominate the global supply chain.
The most prominent is an uncompromising trade policy. All trade agreements, whether with allies or rivals, are put on the table for review. If they do not directly benefit the US, they are adjusted, renegotiated or terminated. The US also imposes strong tariffs on countries that Washington believes are “taking advantage” of the international trading system.
In order to protect strategic industries, Washington advocates preventing foreign businesses from accessing high-tech and military industries in the United States. These protectionist policies aim to ensure that key sectors of the American economy are not controlled by foreign countries.
The United States has gradually reduced its dependence on its traditional allies. Europe is no longer an indispensable partner in America's economic strategy. Washington has expanded its relations with new markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa, creating a more flexible and less risky economic network.
All of this reflects a conservative economic mindset that is self-reliant, less dependent, and puts national interests above all else. The US is trying to build an economy that is not only stronger but also more proactive in the global power competition.
Preparing for the Decisive Confrontation - Reshaping the Centers of Power
The 21st century is no longer a traditional East-West confrontation, but a fierce competition to determine who will lead the new world order.
In this context, the US is not only a defensive power but also actively shaping the rules of the game. The US is redefining its relationship with Russia, instead of considering Moscow as a traditional rival, Washington is now considering Russia as a strategic partner to balance power against the rise of China. With the policy of expanding influence in key regions, the US is consolidating strategic positions, from increasing control of the Panama Canal to the intention to buy Greenland, to better control the global supply chain.
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| The US administration under President Donald Trump 2.0 redefines relations with Russia. (Source: Getty) |
Washington resolves regional conflicts to focus on its main goal, not wanting to be distracted by secondary conflicts. Therefore, the US seeks to reduce its commitments in Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East, to focus all its efforts on the confrontation with China.
Although not publicly stated, US policy under Donald Trump 2.0 is all aimed at a single goal: Creating a new alliance system, an optimal strategic position to help Washington most effectively deal with what they call the biggest and most dangerous "threat" or "risk", which is China. In other words, China is the overarching target of all strategies, from domestic to foreign affairs of the Trump 2.0 administration, as well as the "all roads lead to Beijing" approach.
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Under the Donald Trump 2.0 administration, the US not only seeks to maintain its superpower status but also drastically restructures to increase its internal strength and control the global order. From adjusting economic and trade policies to foreign policy strategies, Washington aims to reduce dependence, strengthen its independent position and establish a new alliance system based on practical interests rather than historical constraints and the burdens of the past.
But the process is not easy. At home, the Trump administration is facing a lot of resistance from politicians, businesses and interest groups that have benefited from the old order. Internationally, traditional allies such as the EU, Canada and Japan are not hiding their skepticism about the new direction of the US, while rivals such as China and Russia are taking advantage of the opportunity to expand their influence.
To realize these ambitions, Washington needs not only determination, strength, and vision, but also flexibility and a long-term strategy to ensure it does not deviate from its goals in a volatile world. Washington waits for no one, but delays in decision-making or missed opportunities will cost both allies and enemies dearly.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nuoc-my-duoi-thoi-donald-trump-20-cuoc-cach-mang-toan-dien-va-cong-cuoc-tai-cau-truc-quyen-luc-toan-cau-304495.html
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