Trump's Impact: A Shift in Global Power Dynamics

Wed Jan 21 2026 14:38:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lyse Doucet explores how President Trump is reshaping international relations and challenging long-standing alliances since his second term inauguration.

In his second term, President Donald Trump has ignited significant shifts in global politics, reminiscent of historical doctrines like 'manifest destiny.' Doucet delves into his controversial statements and actions, highlighting concerns over potential territorial aspirations towards Greenland and the implications for international law and global security. With rising tensions and unpredictable foreign policy, Trump's approach is drawing both support and alarm on the world stage.

Trump's Impact: A Shift in Global Power Dynamics

In January 2025, President Donald Trump took the oath for his second term, declaring, Nothing will stand in our way, during his inauguration. This statement set the tone for a presidency characterized by bold claims and unpredictable policies. One year into his second term, Lyse Doucet examines the reverberations of Trump's agenda on the world stage.

Trump's mention of 'manifest destiny' in his speech indicated a return to historic American expansionism, now focused on reclaiming territories like the Panama Canal and, more provocatively, Greenland. This is not merely rhetoric; it's a signal of his intentions that has raised alarms internationally.

Doucet argues that Trump's approach, which openly challenges established political norms, has resulted in significant shifts in global alliances and perceptions of U.S. leadership. French President Emmanuel Macron's warning about a world lacking rules underscores the gravity of the situation. With Trump's administration seemingly willing to breach historical agreements and court confrontation, there is palpable anxiety regarding NATO's future and the potential for expansionist territorial claims.

Doucet discusses how Trump's defenders cheer his 'America First' strategy, oblivious to the destabilizing effects it has on longstanding international partnerships.

Key allies, including those in Europe, are contemplating how to respond to this evolving geopolitical landscape without provoking further conflict. As Canada, the UK, and European nations grapple with Trump's unpredictable tactics, the diplomatic balancing act grows increasingly precarious.

This dilemma is compounded by Trump's aggressive foreign policy, demonstrated in interactions with leaders like Israel's Netanyahu and Iran's military actions, and exemplified in his interactions at the World Economic Forum and his rhetoric around securing U.S. interests without regard for traditional alliances or collective security.

As Trump prepares to address the world again, his statement that my own morality could restrain him suggests an unpredictable trajectory for U.S. foreign policy moving forward. With allies scrambling to stay in his good graces, the question remains—how will they navigate a world shaped by Trump's increasingly assertive assertions?