The international order forged after World War II is crumbling, driven by the rise of strongmen leaders and nationalist sentiments. President Trump is leading this charge, shifting away from traditional alliances and embracing a world dominated by superpowers and dealmaking.
Trump’s approach is based on “realism” and prioritizing “hard power” over shared values and international norms. He has undercut global institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the UN, and even sided with Russia against European interests at the recent UN General Assembly.
This shift has exposed the frailty of the rules-based order, prompting alarm among Western leaders. Germany’s new leader Friedrich Merz is calling for rapid strengthening of Europe to achieve independence from the US, while Trump officials have expressed contempt toward Europe on issues like trade and free speech.
In a multipolar world, the US, Russia, and China are all vying to secure their strategic interests. Trump’s aggressive approach has sparked concerns among small and mid-sized countries. Former MI6 chief Alex Younger warns that this mindset is characteristic of Putin, Xi Jinping, and now also Trump, threatening decades-long alliances.
As the US scales back its commitment to Europe, NATO allies are in a state of crisis, wondering if America’s role as primary guarantor of European security will continue.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/28/trump-new-world-order-russia-china-europe