Globalization in the Post-Trump Era
In the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency, the landscape of globalization has undergone a profound transformation. While the machinery of international trade and cooperation still grinds on, its underlying values and leadership dynamics have fundamentally shifted. Regardless of one's view on Trump’s domestic policies, there is little doubt that his tenure has left a deep and lasting imprint on the global order.
Once admired for its cultural appeal, democratic ideals, and global stewardship, the United States has seen its soft power significantly eroded. If George W. Bush exposed the limitations of hard power—military interventionism—then Trump dismantled America’s soft power. The respect and trust that had once enabled the U.S. to guide global norms gave way to skepticism and, at times, ridicule. Joseph Nye, who coined the term “soft power,” recently warned that Trump’s actions—such as slashing cultural diplomacy programs and politicizing institutions like Voice of America—have made it harder for the U.S. to inspire admiration or emulate its values abroad.
Trump’s foreign policy was unapologetically transactional. “America First” became more than a slogan—it became a doctrine. Gone was the spirit of multilateral cooperation. In its place was a strategy of bilateral deal-making, often with an eye toward exploiting power asymmetries. Smaller or poorer countries, lacking leverage, were strong-armed into agreements that favored American interests while undermining the principles of fairness and equity in international trade. Ironically, the U.S. trade deficit—which Trump promised to fix—only worsened. In fact, by January 2025, it had surged to a record $131.4 billion. This highlights a fundamental misunderstanding: trade deficits are driven by macroeconomic factors, not tariffs or aggressive rhetoric.
Domestically, Trump portrayed the U.S. as a bastion of good governance even as his administration raised serious ethical concerns. His declaration of having “no conflicts of interest,” while appointing a cabinet of billionaires with extensive business entanglements, challenged long-standing norms of transparency and accountability. Yet much of the country remained indifferent—a sign, perhaps, of political fatigue or ideological polarization. Internationally, Trump became a caricature. In Italy, people quipped that he made Berlusconi look good. In Africa, some leaders noted he made even their dictators look dignified by comparison. These remarks, while humorous, revealed a sobering truth: the credibility of American leadership had been deeply damaged.
One of the most troubling legacies of Trump’s foreign policy is his disregard for the rule of law. His administration openly flouted international agreements and undermined institutions like the World Trade Organization. More recently, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked his attempt to deport Venezuelan migrants using the Alien Enemies Act, citing violations of due process. In another case, the administration ignored a court order to bring back a wrongly deported Salvadoran man, sparking outrage among legal experts. These events signal a troubling trend: the erosion of legal norms at the very top of American government.
The global system, already under strain from populism, inequality, and climate change, relies on trust and shared norms. When the most powerful country signals that rules are optional and only apply when convenient, the foundations of cooperation begin to crumble. It also leaves weaker nations exposed to coercion, as multilateral protections break down.
The world after Trump is a more fragmented one. Alliances have been tested, global institutions weakened, and the U.S.'s moral authority diminished. Yet this rupture also presents an opportunity—for other nations to step up, for new coalitions to emerge, and for a more equitable model of globalization to take shape. If America hopes to reclaim any semblance of global leadership, it must begin with humility, rebuild trust through consistency, and recommit to the values that once made it a guiding force in the world—not just through strength, but through cooperation, fairness, and a respect for the rule of law.
The post-Trump era is not just about a shift in policy. It’s about restoring credibility in a world that is watching, wary, and waiting.
