The stage is set for a seismic shift in US foreign policy as Donald Trump prepares to take the reins once again. Following a decisive victory in recent polls, the President-elect has boldly pledged to dramatically alter the course of international relations, particularly concerning the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He has confidently asserted that he can bring these wars to an end within weeks, even before his inauguration on January 20th, a claim that has ignited both anticipation and apprehension.
Trump’s approach to these complex geopolitical issues stands in stark contrast to his predecessor, Joe Biden. While Biden’s policies were often characterized by a more traditional, multilateral approach, Trump has consistently emphasized a “America First” agenda. He has also openly admired authoritarian leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia, a stance that has raised eyebrows among many international observers.
Trump’s unwavering confidence in his ability to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a mere 24 hours is a testament to his bold, if not controversial, vision for international relations. He has repeatedly stated that he can end the bloodshed and bring peace to the region, but the specifics of his plan remain shrouded in ambiguity. While he has alluded to brokering a deal between the two countries, he has offered no concrete details on how he intends to achieve this. Moreover, he has criticized the level of US support for Kyiv and refrained from expressing outright support for Ukraine’s victory in the conflict. Instead, he has laid the blame for the war at the feet of the US, arguing that a more “respected” president would have prevented Russia’s invasion.
In addition to his plans for Ukraine, Trump has also made pronouncements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has asserted that he can bring an end to the war in Gaza by the time he takes office. However, his past actions and rhetoric suggest a potential shift in US policy towards a more pro-Israel stance. Trump’s previous administration recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory considered Syrian by the international community, and his close advisors have expressed strong support for the Israeli settler movement. Notably, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has openly advocated for the relocation of Palestinian civilians to the Negev desert in southern Israel while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) “cleans up” the Gaza Strip. These pronouncements raise concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict and the ramifications for Palestinian rights.
With Trump poised to embark on a second term, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how his bold pronouncements will translate into tangible action. Will he succeed in forging a new path towards global peace, or will his unorthodox approach lead to further instability and chaos? Only time will tell.
