The Definition of Geopolitics After Donald Trump’s Second Term.

How Trump's Policies Reshaped Global Power Dynamics

By Tara kumar Angdembe

Introduction

Donald Trump’s second term in office has left an indelible mark on global politics. His administration’s approach to international relations has further upended traditional alliances, fueled economic nationalism, and reinforced a new era of great-power competition. The era of U.S.-led liberal internationalism has given way to a more transactional, interest-driven foreign policy, redefining the very nature of geopolitics.

With a world increasingly shaped by multipolarity, strategic decoupling, and military assertiveness, this article examines how geopolitics has evolved in the wake of Trump’s second term.

1. The Death of American Exceptionalism

For decades, the United States positioned itself as the global leader, promoting democracy, free markets, and human rights. Trump’s second term, however, solidified a departure from these values. His administration doubled down on a nationalist foreign policy, embracing an "America First" stance that prioritized economic and military dominance over multilateral cooperation.

Key Developments:

• Retreat from International Institutions: Trump accelerated the U.S. withdrawal from international agreements, including climate accords, arms treaties, and trade deals. This further weakened global governance structures.
• Selective Alliances: Rather than upholding longstanding partnerships, Trump’s foreign policy became increasingly transactional, forging relationships based on immediate economic or military benefits rather than shared democratic values.

This shift undermined America’s traditional soft power, allowing competitors like China and Russia to fill the vacuum in global leadership.

2. A World Defined by Transactional Diplomacy

Trump’s second term reinforced the idea that diplomacy is no longer based on long-term cooperation but on short-term gains. His administration adopted a ruthless, deal-making approach to global politics, treating alliances as business transactions rather than strategic partnerships.

Key Examples:

• The Redefinition of NATO: Trump pressured European allies to drastically increase defense spending, threatening to scale back U.S. commitments if they did not comply.
• U.S.-China Relations: Rather than seeking reconciliation, Trump deepened economic decoupling from China, intensifying trade wars and expanding technology bans.
• Middle East Power Plays: The administration prioritized economic deals over human rights concerns, deepening partnerships with authoritarian regimes in the Gulf while sidelining traditional diplomatic engagements.

This approach reshaped how global leaders interact, fostering a more self-interested, pragmatic style of diplomacy across the world.

3. The Rise of a Multipolar World

The most profound impact of Trump’s second term has been the acceleration of a multipolar global order. The dominance of the U.S. in world affairs has weakened, with other powers asserting themselves more aggressively.

Key Players in the New Global Order:

• China: Having already positioned itself as the main challenger to U.S. hegemony, China capitalized on Trump’s isolationist policies by expanding its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and increasing its influence in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
• Russia: The Kremlin, emboldened by Western disunity, expanded its military footprint in Eastern Europe and the Middle East while deepening strategic ties with China.
• Europe: Frustrated with U.S. unpredictability, the European Union moved towards greater autonomy in defense and trade, seeking alternatives to reliance on Washington.

As a result, the world no longer revolves around a single superpower but instead operates within a competitive, multipolar framework where regional alliances play a greater role.

4. The Shift Toward Economic Nationalism

One of the defining elements of Trump’s second term has been the resurgence of economic nationalism. Protectionist policies became more entrenched, marking a clear departure from decades of globalization.

Key Economic Policies:

• Increased Tariffs and Trade Barriers: The administration continued aggressive tariff policies, particularly against China, leading to further supply chain fragmentation.
• Reshoring of Manufacturing: Incentives for U.S. companies to bring production back home were expanded, further weakening globalization.
• Energy Independence: Trump doubled down on domestic fossil fuel production, reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.

This economic approach forced other nations to adopt similar protectionist policies, leading to increased fragmentation of global markets.

5. The Redefinition of Military Strategy

Trump’s military policy became more unpredictable during his second term, shifting from traditional coalition-building to unilateral action.

Key Strategic Moves:

• Military Realignments: The U.S. reduced its troop presence in some regions while increasing military spending to counter China in the Pacific.
• Expanded Use of Private Military Forces: The administration increasingly relied on private military contractors to execute foreign operations, reducing direct U.S. military engagement.
• Weaponization of Trade and Sanctions: Economic tools became central to military strategy, with aggressive use of sanctions against adversaries like Iran and Russia.

This approach blurred the lines between economic and military power, with economic coercion becoming a primary tool of statecraft.

6. The Weakening of Democratic Institutions

Trump’s impact was not limited to foreign policy; his leadership style also contributed to the erosion of democratic norms, both in the U.S. and globally.

Key Consequences:

• Rise of Populist Leaders: Trump’s success emboldened nationalist leaders in countries like Brazil, Hungary, and India, who adopted similar rhetoric and policies.
• Weakened Trust in Electoral Processes: His continued attacks on democratic institutions and claims of election fraud weakened global confidence in democratic governance.
• Media Manipulation: The use of state-aligned media and social platforms for political influence became more widespread, setting new precedents for disinformation campaigns.

This democratic erosion has created long-term challenges for the U.S. and its allies, as authoritarian regimes exploit these weaknesses to justify their own crackdowns on political opposition.

Conclusion: A New Global Reality

Donald Trump’s second term has fundamentally reshaped geopolitics, ushering in an era defined by nationalism, economic protectionism, and strategic realignments. The U.S. has moved away from its traditional role as the world’s moral and economic leader, embracing a more isolated, interest-driven foreign policy.

In this new geopolitical order, alliances are fragile, economic cooperation is increasingly strained, and global leadership is up for grabs. While Trump’s policies have accelerated the decline of U.S. dominance, they have also opened the door for emerging powers to redefine the future of international relations.

As the world adjusts to this reality, one thing remains clear: the post-Trump geopolitical landscape is more unpredictable than ever before.

Author Bio:

Tara Kumar Angdembe journalist specializing in international affairs, geopolitics, and global strategy. [email protected]/ tarakumarangdembe.blogspot.com