• Trump's 'America First' policy aims to extract more privileges from the international order while reducing U.S. responsibilities.
• The administration's approach involves scaling back military commitments, pursuing unilateral diplomatic negotiations, and employing aggressive trade tactics.
• Experts are divided on whether this represents a strategic recalibration, prioritization of domestic interests, or dismantling the existing global order, with significant potential impact on international relations and global governance.

President Trump's second term is marked by a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Abandoning the traditional bipartisan support for global institutions, Trump is aggressively scaling back the United States' role in the world, based on his 'America First' agenda. This involves questioning alliances, treaties, and the use of soft power, which he views as expensive and outdated. His administration is pursuing unilateral diplomatic negotiations, military disengagement from long-term conflicts, and aggressive trade policies, leading to both domestic and international repercussions.

• What: President Trump's foreign policy shifts involve scaling back military commitments, pursuing unilateral diplomatic negotiations, and employing aggressive trade tactics, which is impacting established global structures and alliances.
• Who: Key individuals involved include President Trump, Vice President Vance, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, and foreign policy analysts like Hal Brands, Kelly Grieco, Stewart Patrick, Emma Ashford, Josh Ruebner, Mathew Burrows, and Karoline Leavitt.
• When: These policy shifts have been primarily observed within the first 100 days of Trump's second term, starting in January 2025.
• Where: These policies have global implications, affecting regions including Europe (NATO, Ukraine), the Middle East (Israel, Iran, Gaza), and Asia (China).

Trump's foreign policy represents a significant departure from the established post-World War II order. While some analysts view this as a necessary recalibration to address perceived imbalances and prioritize American interests, others express concerns about the potential consequences of dismantling international institutions and alienating allies. The long-term impacts remain uncertain, but the changes have already destabilized the global economy, strained diplomatic relations, and raised questions about the future of international cooperation. The internal divisions within the Republican party add further complexity to the policy outlook, suggesting potential for both consistency and unpredictability in the years ahead.

"If I had to boil it all down, I would say Trump's goal is to extract more privileges from the international order while bearing fewer responsibilities for upholding them."

"The Trump doctrine is ‘smash and grab’, take what you want from others and let your allies do the same."

"America does not need other countries as much as other countries need us."

"This isn’t some abrupt shift or aberration."

President Trump's second-term foreign policy is reshaping the global landscape, marked by a focus on 'America First' and a willingness to challenge established norms and institutions. While some argue this is a necessary correction, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. The administration's approach has already created significant international tensions and domestic economic challenges, raising fundamental questions about the future of U.S. leadership and global governance. The ongoing debates among experts and policymakers underscore the complexity and potential ramifications of this shift.