Trump’s presidency disrupted the foundations of American grand strategy, weakening alliances, soft power, and global leadership while highlighting the need for renewed commitment to multilateralism and stability.

For decades, American grand strategy has defined the country’s global engagement, leveraging its vast economic, military, and diplomatic power to secure enduring interests. These include protecting the homeland, ensuring economic stability, safeguarding alliances, and upholding the liberal international order. Yet, Donald Trump’s first term introduced seismic shifts that unsettled the foundations of this carefully constructed strategy, fundamentally altering America’s role on the world stage.

At its core, American grand strategy has historically rested on three pillars: multilateralism, economic leadership, and military dominance. Through alliances like NATO and institutions like the United Nations, multilateralism amplified U.S. influence by fostering cooperation. Economic leadership, underpinned by free trade and market liberalization, positioned the U.S. as a linchpin of global prosperity. Meanwhile, military dominance, sustained by a forward-deployed presence, deterred rivals and reassured allies. Together with promoting democratic values, these elements forged a framework where the U.S. and its partners thrived together.

This framework succeeded because it was rooted in predictability, stability, and a shared belief in international collaboration. Bipartisan consensus preserved these principles across generations. However, Trump’s presidency disrupted this tradition, embracing a starkly nationalist and transactional doctrine under “America First.” His worldview clashed with the cooperative ethos that had defined U.S. foreign policy, setting the stage for dramatic departures.

One of the most visible disruptions was Trump’s treatment of alliances. Longstanding partnerships once considered bedrocks of American strategy, were reduced to bargaining chips. Though not without merit, Trump’s criticisms of NATO allies for insufficient defense spending were delivered with a tone that strained trust. His reluctance to fully endorse NATO’s mutual defense during a pivotal European visit sowed doubts about U.S. reliability. Such moments frayed the cohesion that had underpinned American-led coalitions for decades.

Trump’s skepticism of multilateralism extended beyond alliances to global agreements. His withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership ceded strategic economic influence in Asia to China. At the same time, his exit from the Paris Agreement signaled a retreat from global climate leadership. These moves alienated allies and undermined the cooperative spirit necessary to address transnational challenges like climate change and regional stability.

Economically, Trump’s policies reflected a zero-sum mindset. Casting international trade agreements as unfair, he imposed tariffs on allies and renegotiated NAFTA. While these actions resonated with domestic audiences, they strained relationships with key partners, unraveling the collaborative underpinnings of U.S. economic leadership.

Perhaps the most profound disruption was the erosion of American soft power—the ability to lead through attraction rather than coercion. Traditionally a champion of democracy and human rights, the U.S. under Trump projected ambivalence. His admiration for authoritarian leaders and a de-emphasis on human rights tarnished the country’s moral authority. Abrupt policy decisions and inconsistent messaging further eroded trust among allies and emboldened adversaries to challenge U.S. resolve.

These disruptions have left a lasting impact. Trump weakened traditional alliances by treating allies as liabilities rather than partners and prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability. This fracturing has complicated collective responses to crises like the war in Ukraine or China’s growing influence in the Global South. Meanwhile, rivals such as Russia and China have exploited America’s retreat, presenting themselves as alternative leaders in global governance and expanding their influence.

Despite these challenges, the foundations of American grand strategy remain resilient. Even amid political turbulence, NATO’s institutional ties endure, and the U.S. retains unmatched economic and military resources. However, restoring credibility and cohesion will require sustained effort. Future administrations must recommit to allies, reengage with multilateral institutions, and prioritize democracy and human rights. These steps are essential to repairing recent fractures and countering the ascendant influence of rival powers.

Donald Trump’s presidency introduced unpredictability, diminished trust, and weakened America’s moral authority on the global stage. Yet, the enduring principles of multilateral cooperation, economic leadership, and military strength remain vital to preserving international stability. The challenge lies in revitalizing these pillars, reaffirming America’s reliable and principled leadership role in a fractured and uncertain world.

Unfortunately, with Donald Trump set to be sworn in for a second term early next year, expect more disruption and rule by tweet. The world should expect a bumpy four years.