**Trump’s Global Impact: A Promise of Peace or an Escalation of Tensions?**

As Donald Trump embarks on his second term, questions arise about his effectiveness as a peacemaker.

When Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second presidential term in January, he declared, "My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier," aiming to reshape global stability through his leadership. Just days after taking office, during a high-profile tour of key Arab nations, he proclaimed his triumph in making the world "a much safer place," particularly highlighting the crisis in Ukraine and promising imminent improvements.

However, the real impact of his claims is under scrutiny. The continuing conflict in Ukraine contradicts Trump’s assertion, with Russia intensifying its attacks against Ukraine, escalating the toll since the invasion in 2022. In Gaza, despite Trump advocating for peace and a ceasefire, medical personnel report a record number of casualties as violence persists unabated.

Nonetheless, there are sparks of hope in what's being termed the "worst of times and the best of times" by peace experts like David Harland from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. While the world grapples with numerous violent conflicts, some dialogues are progressing, notably ongoing talks between the US and Iran aimed at preventing further military confrontations.

Trump’s style appears to radiate both influence and controversy. Key leaders such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognize Trump as a pivotal figure in negotiations, fueled by his forceful persona and assertive diplomacy. However, this method has been critiqued for favoring expediency over sustainable peace, with some negotiations failing to yield lasting results.

Former diplomats express concern over Trump's simplistic approach to complex conflicts, arguing that effective resolution requires in-depth engagement, rather than quick fixes. While Trump's "peace through strength" rhetoric has occasionally yielded temporary truces, like the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, critiques persist regarding his treatment of longstanding diplomatic principles and the rules-based international order established post-World War II.

As Trump adapts his approach to foreign conflicts, his administration’s significant cuts to international aid have raised alarms about worsening humanitarian crises. His penchant for bargaining over geopolitical resources, such as precious minerals in unstable regions like Congo, reflects a new transactional ethos in foreign policy but overlooks deeper-rooted issues necessary for lasting peace.

While he touts impressive diplomacy credentials, Trump's recent threats to disengage from protracted conflicts signal growing frustration with resistance to his negotiation style. Experts argue that real progress requires dedication and patience—qualities that Trump's quick-deal mentality may undermine.

A BBC World Service Debate titled, “Is Donald Trump making the world safer or more dangerous?” invites discussion surrounding the fluctuating dynamics of global politics amid Trump's controversial presidency. Tune in to explore the implications of his leadership on worldwide security.