With his return to the White House for a second term, US President-elected Donald Trump embarks on a new journey laden with electoral promises and ambitious domestic goals. Yet, he faces a world that has grown more complex and perilous.
Four years from the end of Trump’s first term in the office of president, the global political landscape has shifted dramatically, presenting new challenges that make his new presidency more demanding than the old one.
Foremost among these challenges is the ongoing war in Ukraine, now a pivotal test of Trump’s leadership.
The battlefield remains tense, with Ukrainian forces appearing fatigued as American support wanes, particularly among Republicans.
Despite Trump’s electoral promise to end the war in a single day, analysts argue that the reality is far more intricate.
He will likely face significant demands from Russian President Vladimir Putin who may force the American leader to choose between pursuing swift peace and safeguarding American and allied interests.
The Middle East presents an equally volatile landscape.
Israel has grown militarily stronger, but faces mounting international criticism, while Iran remains a potential threat, despite its relative weakness.
Trump’s appointment of staunchly pro-Israel figures like Mike Huckabee as ambassador signals his unwavering support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
However, questions remain about Trump’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Iran or adopt a tougher stance on it.
Meanwhile, Syria’s uncertain future, marked by Bashar al-Assad’s absence from the political scene, adds layers of complexity to efforts to stabilise the region.
China poses an escalating challenge. With its expanding military and economic ambitions, Beijing is in direct confrontation with Washington.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric about imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports suggests a readiness to escalate economic pressure, supported by a team of officials known for their hardline stance against China.
This approach could intensify trade and military tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Domestically, Trump is focusing on an ambitious agenda, including deporting millions of illegal aliens, cutting taxes, and reducing government spending.
Nonetheless, these policies may face obstacles due to deepening political divisions, potentially hindering his ability to deliver on his promises.
At the same time, traditional US allies are grappling with internal turmoil. From the collapse of Germany’s coalition government to political tensions in France and South Korea, Trump may struggle to rely on strong alliances as he did in the past.
Trump’s second term will not merely be a continuation of his previous policies, but a true test of his ability to balance domestic and international challenges.
The world awaiting Trump is more complex and dangerous, demanding shrewder strategies to achieve stability in an era of chaos.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
