TITLE:
America’s Role in a Changing World: European Concerns over Trump’s Re-Election
AUTHORS:
Muhammad Derfish Ilyas
KEYWORDS:
U.S.A, America, Donal Trump, Re-Election, Western World, America First
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: The impetus for this research is to examine America’s evolving role in a changing world, particularly in light of European concerns regarding the potential re-election of Donald Trump. Since the mid-20th Century, the United States has been the leader of the Western world, playing a pivotal role in maintaining and advancing a liberal international order. However, recent developments have called into questioning the durability of America’s leadership in this domain. Specifically, the election of Donald Trump in 2016 and the possibility of his return to the presidency have raised doubts among European allies about the U.S.’s commitment to the liberal international order. This study employs a descriptive methodological approach and conducts a comparative analysis of Trump’s first-term policies with potential policies in a prospective second term. Additionally, the research compares the U.S., Europe, and Russia across various dimensions, including defense budgets, NATO involvement, military collaboration, climate targets, trade partnerships, human rights, U.N. contributions, economic growth, alliance positions, global influence, and immigration policies. Key findings of this research indicate a growing trend of isolationism, exemplified by the “America First” policy, which has strained U.S.-Europe relations. The study further suggests that a second Trump presidency could exacerbate these challenges, complicating military cooperation, economic relations, and human rights initiatives. These findings are crucial for American and European citizens, global leaders, and policymakers to develop strategies to mitigate rising tensions and prevent the potential isolation of the U.S. from the Western alliance.