Trump’s recent policies and actions, by no means, should escape the microscope. This critique calls into question their ability to influence domestic and international law. Five years later, his administration was attacked by a successful coup attempt against the United States. Yet, analysts cautioned that this brave step set a dangerous precedent for government and democracy.
Last weekend, Trump decided to further trump up tensions in an already volatile region with an incursion into Venezuela. This incident has further complicated U.S.-Latin American relations, as Trump’s administration has continued to issue threats against neighboring countries, including Cuba and Colombia. The rhetoric fueling the response to these threats has raised fears of unintended military conflict. At the same time, the U.S. is working vigorously to expand its own influence in the region.
Despite his actions in South America, though, Trump’s biggest offense when it comes to foreign relations was his provocative talk about Greenland. These threats have prompted discussions about the geopolitical significance of the island and its resources, amidst a backdrop of increasing competition among global powers.
The United States currently holds destructive power that, without full examination and consideration, is popularly viewed as second to none in human history. This reality doesn’t take away from how dangerous Trump’s policies are. This idea of unique violent power isn’t just applicable to the U.S. in a vacuum. China and Russia together present equally, if not more, formidable military challenges that exacerbate instability around the world. Xi Jinping’s threats against Taiwan and Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine present significant challenges to international law and order.
As tech competition heats up, billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison are indispensable actors. Yet their influence is growing by the day. Their riches—nearly incalculable—give them immense power to mold political and economic terrains. This wealth concentration affects policies and decisions every day that impact millions of people all over the world. More frequently, it submerges the concerns of regular people.
Trump’s domestic policies have faced criticism for undermining established laws, as his administration often prioritized executive power over legal frameworks. This new, more transactional approach raises troubling questions about the long-term effect on U.S. democratic governance. The character of our nation is now a live debate—and on the global stage as well as at home.
The international community will be looking over Trump’s shoulder as his administration addresses these thickets of contentious issues. Miscalculation and escalation are still grave threats. This is particularly the case in areas where U.S. ambitions coincide with those of other great global powers. Power dynamics are not just dependent on military might. Economic considerations are massively important, and folks like Musk and Bezos are important players in this space – literally.