The Platform

MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
Photo illustration by John Lyman

Donald Trump doesn’t necessarily view his role as a leader of the free world but as an arsonist who wants to burn the house down.

Donald Trump’s second, and hopefully his last term, isn’t just about policy—it’s a wrecking ball aimed squarely at the foundations of American democracy and global stability. Trump has vowed to unleash an unprecedented flurry of executive orders, setting the stage for chaos and controversy. At the top of his audacious to-do list? Ending the Ukraine-Russia war within his first 24 hours. It should be pointed out that he missed his own deadline.

Trump’s agenda is nothing short of a radical overhaul of American life, from immigration to energy to social norms, all while reasserting U.S. dominance on the world stage. But behind the swagger lies a series of plans that could unleash a whirlwind of legal battles, international backlash, and economic upheaval.

The 24-Hour Peace Plan or a Geopolitical Nightmare?

Trump’s claim that he can broker peace in the Ukraine-Russia war within a single day is bold, to say the least—and terrifying to many. He’s banking on his “personal rapport” with Vladimir Putin and his signature transactional diplomacy. But what does that look like in practice? Critics fear it means easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for territorial concessions—a move that would not only embolden Putin but also fracture NATO and alienate Eastern European allies. Trump’s approach could have ripple effects, legitimizing territorial grabs and encouraging authoritarian regimes like China to make aggressive moves in Taiwan or the South China Sea. The message? Might make right.

Domestic Policy: Chaos at Home

On U.S. soil, Trump’s agenda reads like a greatest-hits reel of his first term, only more extreme. His immigration policies—sealing the border, restarting mass deportations, and abolishing birthright citizenship—are designed to thrill his base. But the fallout could be catastrophic. Industries reliant on immigrant labor, from agriculture to construction, are already bracing for economic disaster. Add in skyrocketing inflation and crumbling supply chains, and Trump’s promises of prosperity look like a recipe for economic collapse.

Then there’s energy. Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” mantra—a direct attack on Biden’s climate policies—threatens to turbocharge fossil fuel production at the expense of global climate commitments. The result? Rising emissions, alienated allies, and a loss of U.S. credibility in the fight against climate change.

And let’s not forget Trump’s cultural crusades: enforcing voter ID laws and ending birthright citizenship. The latter, in particular, is a legal quagmire that could require a constitutional amendment. But that hasn’t stopped Trump from barreling ahead with plans to reshape the American identity—by any means necessary.

A Global Order in Freefall?

The international stage is where Trump’s ambitions could prove most dangerous. His approach to alliances, like the AUKUS pact between the U.S., UK, and Australia, could signal a shift toward more aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific. While some may see this as a necessary counter to China’s growing influence, others fear it could escalate tensions in an already volatile region.

Meanwhile, Trump’s stance on the Chagos Archipelago—a lingering colonial dispute between the UK and Mauritius—is another wild card. If Trump pressures the UK to reverse its decision to return the territory to Mauritius, it could reignite debates over colonial legacies and strategic military bases while further straining U.S.-UK relations.

And speaking of strained relationships, Labour leader Keir Starmer may find himself in a tight spot navigating Trump’s America. Starmer’s centrist platform could clash with Trump’s policies on everything from climate to immigration, potentially undermining the “special relationship” as both leaders grapple with post-Brexit realities.

Executive Orders: The Fast Track to Polarization

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Trump’s second-term vision is his reliance on executive orders to bypass Congress entirely. While this tactic offers the illusion of swift action, it also accelerates the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. Critics warn that Trump’s authoritarian tendencies could deepen political polarization and erode public trust in government—turning the U.S. into a battleground of executive overreach and grassroots resistance.

The Verdict: An Audacious Gamble or a Dangerous Experiment?

Trump’s return to power would mark a seismic shift for the U.S. and the world. His promises to reshape domestic policies and assert global leadership might excite his base, but the risks—economic turmoil, fractured alliances, and a destabilized global order—loom large.

The next chapter of Trump’s America isn’t just a high-stakes drama; it’s a political hurricane that could leave devastation in its wake. Whether he delivers on his promises or sows chaos and division, one thing is certain: the world will be watching—and bracing for impact.

Dr. Vince Hooper, originally from Devonport, Plymouth, UK, boasts an impressive teaching and research career in several esteemed business schools. His commitment to student success is evident through his mentorship in investment banking, multinational enterprise finance, and various accounting, finance, and strategy topics. Vince's impact even reverberates in legal realms. He spearheaded the introduction of video-link evidence in international court proceedings in South Africa, marking a pivotal step forward in legal history. Additionally, he has consulted for significant initiatives, including the Group of 15 summit on capital market integration, plus organized numerous international symposiums.