Donald Trump’s recent actions on the war in Ukraine have driven the United States further from most of its historical allies. This atmospheric change is igniting a powerful realignment of transnational partnerships. In response to the administration’s inflammatory rhetoric and dangerous policy swings, three countries – Qatar, India, and the United Arab Emirates – have taken decisive action. In turn, these countries are rethinking their foreign policy alliances. This unprecedented turmoil has opened new avenues for collaboration amongst nations that were previously feuding. Recent trilateral meetings among heads of state from India, China and Russia provide an illustration of this development’s profound importance.
In a surprising display of solidarity, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, visited Qatar. This fight comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between Qatar and its neighbors in the Gulf, especially after Israel went radical in Doha. The UAE’s public support for Qatar marks a departure from its previous stance, which underscores the impact of Trump’s foreign policy on regional dynamics.
In his recent trip to Qatar, Trump thanked Qatar for its important bilateral relationship with the U.S. He declared, “Let us rejoice and give thanks for the gifts of this friendship.” This comment exemplifies his struggle to maintain relations with Qatar. He’s doing his best to steer through the tempest of fire and brimstone still directed at the Arab Gulf state.
At the same time, Trump’s been increasingly undiplomatic and interventionist towards India. Most recently, he threatened to raise a hefty 50% tariff on Indian imports, announcing that the Indian economy was “dead.” These hawkish trade policies seem to jeopardize relations with one of US’s important partners in South Asia.
In perhaps the most colorful of his quips, Trump mused, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China.” Underneath this attitude is a worry about the strengthening connections between these countries and their rising reactionary alignment with Beijing’s priorities. His claim has sent shockwaves through the region, and for good reason, as it would drastically curtail US power and influence in Asia.
As part of his broader strategy, Trump has been lobbying the European Union to consider imposing tariffs of up to 100% on goods from both India and China. These moves should serve as a warning sign that he plans to use trade as a weapon for political gain. Those who oppose these tactics argue that it undermines the basic tenets of American deal-making by overextending our most lasting agreements and partnerships.
The impact of Trump’s foreign policy doesn’t stop with trade. His harsh words for Qatar and other newfound allies have caused severe shifts and diplomatic purges within international coalitions. Environment ministers from India, China and Russia pose for a group photograph during a tripartite meeting in Tianjin, China recently. Their military camaraderie is in sharp contrast to Trump’s withdrawalist, isolationist stance. This meeting provides an indication of a significant realignment that will be in direct opposition to US interests across the world.
What’s more, his actions have intensified the current unrest in the Middle East. In response to Israel’s recent strike against Hamas leaders in Doha, which many deemed a “colossal violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, Saudi Arabia called for an Arab, Islamic, and international response. The UAE’s unprecedentedly loud scolding of Israel shows how much the power balance now favored by the Arabs has changed. Countries are changing their alliances to adapt to Trump’s volatile policies.
Yet the geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly due to Trump’s actions. With China announcing its “global governance initiative” aimed at fostering trade and investment among various countries, the implications of Trump’s approach become clearer. Through his reckless actions, he has changed the balance of power across the globe. Countries are looking for new partnerships because of their view of American unreliability.