TRUMP VS THE WORLD

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
MAPIM – MANAR – SHURA
6 April 2025

Donald Trump’s approach to global affairs—characterized by unilateralism, isolationism, and economic nationalism—signals a shift toward an aggressive “America First” geopolitical doctrine. His actions reflect several clear directions:

1. Toward a Neo-Empire of Influence Without Responsibility

Trump seeks to expand U.S. power and global influence without maintaining traditional alliances or adhering to international norms. He wants dominance without accountability—as seen in:

● Unconditional support for Israel, even amid genocide accusations in Gaza,
● Continuing full protection of Israel and Netanyahu despite ICJ and ICC rulings against them for genocide and crimes against humanity,
● Trade wars and tariffs to shift global trade in favor of U.S. interests,
● Attempts to claim or influence regions like Greenland and Canada,
● Cutting funding to global institutions like WHO and UNRWA.

2. A New Cold War Order

Through:
● Provoking China with tariffs and tech bans,
● Pulling away from European allies (tensions with NATO and the EU),
● Maintaining hostility toward Iran and undermining global diplomatic mechanisms (such as the JCPOA and UN bodies),

Trump’s path leads toward a divided, bipolar world where the U.S. withdraws from multilateralism and confronts rising powers through force and economic pressure.

3. Fortress America Strategy

By withdrawing from:
● The Paris Climate Agreement,
● The UN Human Rights Council,
● WHO, and reducing foreign aid,

…Trump is isolating the U.S. from shared global responsibilities, building a “Fortress America” that protects internal interests but retreats from moral leadership.

4. Toward Global Disruption and Hegemonic Realignment

Trump is not just shifting U.S. policy—he is reshaping the world order: disrupting norms, rejecting diplomacy, and using shock politics to reassert unilateral American dominance.

Where is Trump heading?

Trump is heading toward a world where the U.S. acts as a lone superpower, detached from international cooperation, imposing its will through economic power, selective military alliances, and disruptive foreign policy—even if it results in greater global instability.

His unwavering protection of Israel, even after international legal rulings, sets a dangerous precedent—challenging global justice in favor of ideological loyalty. Whether this leads to new zones of control or sparks backlash from global and domestic forces remains a critical question

How Should the World Respond to Trump’s Policies?

The world must respond with a strategic mix of resistance, recalibration, and renewed multilateralism:

1. Strengthen Multilateral Alliances
   Countries must double down on institutions like the UN, ICC, WTO, and WHO to uphold international law against unilateral interference.
   Regional blocs like the EU, ASEAN, AU, and OIC must take stronger leadership roles in diplomacy and humanitarian response.
2. Build Economic Alliances
   Countries affected by U.S. tariffs (like Malaysia with its 24% tariff) should form trade alliances or bring cases to WTO dispute resolution mechanisms.
   Diversify trade relations to reduce dependency on the U.S. market.
3. Support International Justice Mechanisms
   Support ICJ and ICC rulings on genocide and crimes against humanity (e.g., in Gaza), even if the U.S. rejects them.
   Isolate any country—including the U.S.—that obstructs international justice or enables war crimes.
4. Counter Disinformation and Populism
   Invest in media literacy, fact-based journalism, and public diplomacy to resist Trump-style narratives rooted in fear, division, and nationalism.
5. Hold the U.S. Accountable from Within
   Encourage U.S. civil society, academia, activists, and political opposition to challenge Trump’s policies internally.
   Global movements can support these internal efforts for cross-border solidarity.
6. Lead Climate Action Without the U.S.
   Continue climate cooperation through frameworks like the Paris Agreement—even without U.S. participation.
   Form new green alliances that innovate independently of American leadership.
7. Stand United Against Hypocrisy
   If Trump supports allies like Israel despite war crimes, the world must expose double standards and uphold equal accountability, regardless of power.

In Conclusion:

The world must not wait or fear Trump’s policies—it must lead where he retreats, unite where he divides, and act with principle where he acts with power.

CAN TRUMP – AMERICA SUSTAIN ECONOMIC AND MILITARY SUPPORT TO ISRAEL UNDER AIPAC PRESSURE?

The answer: Technically yes—but not without consequences, and not indefinitely. The support can continue in the short to medium term, but faces various domestic and international challenges.

1. Economic Capability – Can the U.S. Afford It?

The U.S. currently provides
about $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Under Trump (who aligns with AIPAC), this support could be increased—including arms sales, intelligence cooperation, and emergency assistance—even amid rising national debt and domestic economic strain.

However, the sustainability of this aid is increasingly questioned, especially as:

● The U.S. fiscal deficit continues to grow,
● Political fatigue over foreign aid sets in,
● Public opinion—especially among young and progressive Americans—is shifting.

2. Military Support – Is It Strategic?
3. 
   Trump may further increase military support or intervene directly, but:

● This risks dragging the U.S. into regional conflicts (Iran, Hezbollah, Yemen),
● May provoke retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests abroad,
● And adds to the logistical burden of an already stretched U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond.

3. The Role of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) – How Strong Is Its Influence?

AIPAC plays a major role in ensuring bipartisan Congressional support for Israel.

Trump consistently supports AIPAC-driven policies, including:

● Unconditional military aid,
● Rejecting UN resolutions critical of Israel,
● Denying ICC and ICJ jurisdiction over Israel.

However, AIPAC’s dominance is increasingly challenged by alternative Jewish-American movements like J Street, IfNotNow, and Jewish Voice for Peace—especially after genocide accusations in Gaza.

4. Political and Diplomatic Repercussions

Trump’s continued support for Israel—even after ICJ and ICC rulings—will lead to U.S. diplomatic isolation globally.
It will damage U.S. moral credibility, strain cooperation with the UN, and stir anti-American sentiment especially in Muslim nations and the Global South.
Even U.S. allies like Europe may start crafting foreign policy independent of Washington.

5. Domestic Opposition
   Within the U.S., grassroots and youth opposition is growing against unconditional support for Israel.
   If domestic economic problems worsen (inflation, cost of living, healthcare, education), the public may demand cuts to foreign aid.

Conclusion:

Yes, Trump can continue aid for now—but it is not sustainable long-term. It risks:
● U.S. global standing,
● Domestic unity,
● Fiscal responsibility,
● And possibly regional stability.

The real question isn’t “can he”—but “should the world and the American people allow it to continue?”