What's happened
Donald Trump's re-election as US President has significant implications for global politics, particularly for Europe and NATO. Analysts warn of a shift towards nationalism and transactional international relations, raising concerns about democracy and stability worldwide.
Why it matters
What the papers say
In his analysis for The Guardian, Martin Kettle emphasizes that Trump's re-election signifies a historic disruption, stating, 'It is a profound moment of change, not just for the United States but for the rest of the world, too.' He warns that this could lead to a more transactional global agenda, affecting issues like climate change and international security.
Conversely, Lionel Laurent from Bloomberg notes the mixed reactions among European leaders, highlighting that while some nationalists celebrate Trump's victory, others express concern over the implications for European unity and security. He writes, 'The Old Continent looks woefully defenseless in the face of the coming geopolitical storm.'
Rafael Behr, also from The Guardian, reflects on the broader implications of Trump's presidency, suggesting that it could embolden authoritarianism globally. He states, 'Vladimir Putin can proselytise for a vicious strain of authoritarian nationalism that suffocates liberal norms.' This sentiment underscores the potential for increased global instability as democratic values face renewed challenges.
How we got here
Trump's first presidency marked a departure from traditional US foreign policy, emphasizing 'America First' and undermining multilateralism. His recent re-election signals a continuation of these trends, with potential repercussions for global alliances and democratic norms.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.