Relinquishment of U.S. Dominance in World Affairs

In the past few years, the global landscape has been marked by an escalation of conflicts, leading to a significant shift in defense spending among European allies of the United States. This change is a response to the ongoing tensions and unrest around the world.

The current United States government, led by President Donald Trump, who took office again on January 20, 2025, has been actively engaged in discussions and policies related to these conflicts. However, the US is currently facing criticism for its diplomatic improvisation in the world.

One of the most prominent conflicts in recent years is the war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022 and is still ongoing. The Obama administration's perceived unwillingness to defend Ukraine has been perceived as a weakness by Russia, China, and India, who see this as an opportunity to undermine American hegemony.

The situation in the Middle East is equally complex. The conflict in Gaza started following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The US has been a key player in the region, with its support for Israel helping to thwart Iran's efforts. However, the Trump administration's apparent complacency towards Russian interests has raised concerns.

In response to these challenges, the US is rethinking its foreign policy. The great American strategy of the past, such as during the Cold War, cannot be one-size-fits-all. Acting on a regional basis would allow the US to create a more secure and prosperous world.

This approach is particularly important in light of the consequences of unilateral action, as recent conflicts have shown. The US is the leader of the liberal international order, but its actions must be more thoughtful and strategic.

The US should fully commit to multilateralism on a regional basis through both long-standing and new alliances with intermediate powers. This is evident in the recent meeting of the leaders of China, Russia, and India, who discussed contributing to the development of a multipolar world.

European states and the United States have hesitated about how to support Ukraine since the conflict started. This hesitation underscores the need for a more coherent foreign policy that defends the liberal international order on a regional basis.

The Trump administration, like its predecessors, continues to react to crises rather than developing such a policy. Protectionist tariffs, policy reversals, and appeasement towards certain leaders further undermine the US's position in the world.

In the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convinced Trump to launch the "Midnight Hammer" operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. However, the US must be careful to avoid actions that escalate tensions and risk further instability in the region.

In conclusion, the current global landscape necessitates a new approach to foreign policy. The US must act strategically, engage in multilateralism, and support its allies in a more consistent and robust manner. Only then can it hope to maintain its position as the leader of the liberal international order and create a more secure and prosperous world.