Trump's 'America first' policy reshapes global leadership role
American politics expert Professor Michał Urbańczyk from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań assessed that Donald Trump's foreign policy is centred around the slogan "America first." He emphasised that under Trump's leadership, the United States is withdrawing from the role of a global leader and focusing on its interests.
This should not surprise us. As the President of the USA, Trump is primarily supposed to look after his country's interests, not those of the entire world. The Americans have abdicated from being a global leader. They have said — we lack the strength, money, and willpower to ensure the security of everyone and everywhere — pointed out the expert.
During the security conference in Munich, Vice President J.D. Vance criticised European leaders for departing from values, censorship, and ignoring voters. According to Professor Urbańczyk, such speeches aim to "shake" European politicians who, according to Trump, are not fulfilling their obligations towards the USA.
Relations with Russia and Ukraine
Prof. Urbańczyk also addressed Trump's controversial statements about Ukraine. The US President accused Ukraine of starting the war and failing to reach an agreement with Russia. The American politics expert noted that such statements are part of Trump's negotiation strategy, although they should not occur.
They should not occur. This is certainly part of Trump's negotiation strategy, who simply wants to exert pressure on President Zelensky. However, such statements should absolutely not appear — emphasised the expert.
Urbańczyk admitted that he cannot imagine a situation where "the US President would accept terms of an agreement concerning Ukraine that the whole world could view as his defeat." He also added that if Trump concluded that it would be more "beneficial for him to end this war as quickly as possible, regardless of the terms, such a situation may arise."
The expert does not doubt that Trump does not intend to break off the Euro-Atlantic alliance completely, but his policy may lead to changes in relations with Europe. Prof. Urbańczyk emphasised that despite the controversies, the ties between the USA and Europe are too strong for one person to sever them completely.
Read also:
