Trump-era challenges: US prestige wanes on global stage

Despite current challenges, the United States retains the largest army in the world and a powerful nuclear arsenal. Its economy remains strong, but its international prestige has been undermined. Dr. Przemysław Piotr Damski from the University of Łódź evaluates the situation after two months of Donald Trump's presidency. The expert admits that although Donald Trump's style was known, many were surprised by the scale of his rhetoric.

I did not expect him to so unequivocally tell Ukraine that it must offer something to make a "deal" with America and that allies would be treated worse than potential rivals, says the expert.

Trump's policies, including imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, are controversial. - This seems like an attempt to vassalise countries instead of the previous partnership cooperation, notes Damski. The expert emphasises that although the USA is more potent than European countries, previous courtesy facilitated cooperation.

Damski points out that worsening relations with Europe and Canada is not in the USA's interest. He adds that it is in America's interest to have the best possible economic relations with Europe and to ensure that it will supply gas to Europe. However, the expert does not see any benefits from Trump's current policy. Despite the USA's problems, Dr. Damski does not foresee its downfall.

It is too early to draw such conclusions, although prestige-wise, America has certainly already suffered, he assesses.

Changes in US relations with Europe may lead to a redefinition of NATO's formula and the development of the EU's common security concept. Damski suggests that relying solely on the United States is shortsighted and that security needs to be diversified.

Some argue that Trump's actions are a negotiation tactic. Dr. Damski is sceptical of this theory. The expert concludes that the claim that there are some secret American interests based on a power game is not convincing to me.