When Donald Trump announced his return to the presidential race in 2024, a familiar wave of unease rippled across global political circles. For many, Trump’s rise to the presidency in 2016 was an anomaly; for others, it was a harbinger of an unsettling new world order. But now, with the possibility of a second term looming large, one question reverberates with greater urgency: Is Donald Trump a threat to the world?
On the surface, the question seems absurd. After all, he’s just one man. But Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and unpredictable foreign dealings have positioned him as more than just an isolated political figure. He’s become a symbol of rising populism, nationalism, and isolationism—forces that have the potential to destabilize the international order.
Trump’s foreign policy of “America First” was characterized by a disregard for long-standing international alliances, as well as a willingness to alienate traditional partners like the European Union, NATO, and even Japan. Under his leadership, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, and the World Health Organization. These actions reflected a deep mistrust in multilateral diplomacy, favoring national interest over global cooperation. Trump’s “America First” mindset resonated with many voters who felt abandoned by globalization, but it also created significant fractures on the world stage, emboldening authoritarian regimes and undermining the very institutions that promote peace and stability.
As president, Trump’s unpredictable nature led to several dangerous foreign policy standoffs, including his tense relationship with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and the trade war with China. While some hailed his tough stance on China, the long-term consequences of his tariff-heavy approach were felt globally, disrupting international trade flows and causing economic uncertainty.
Trump’s brand of politics has also ignited a deeper debate about democracy itself. Throughout his tenure, he repeatedly attacked the foundations of American democracy: from questioning the legitimacy of elections to undermining the rule of law. He stoked division with inflammatory rhetoric, pushing false narratives about voter fraud that culminated in the January 6th Capitol riot. While these actions were shocking even to his supporters, they were also reflective of a broader trend in which populist leaders across the world challenge democratic norms.
Trump’s rhetoric, often filled with vitriol and denouncement, has fueled political extremism and anti-democratic movements both domestically and abroad. His allies have sought to dismantle democratic institutions, all while pushing for a more authoritarian, centralized form of governance. And this isn’t just a U.S. problem. Around the globe, populist leaders have found inspiration in Trump’s disregard for norms and his success in channeling frustration into political power.
If Trump returns to office, the world could once again be faced with the unsettling prospect of America retreating into isolationism. The international community depends on American leadership to some extent for global stability, whether it’s combating climate change, addressing pandemics, or upholding international law. The U.S. is integral to peacekeeping efforts, from NATO’s operations to its role in the United Nations. However, Trump’s tendency to reject international cooperation in favor of unilateral action could lead to a chaotic and fractured world order, where rising powers like China and Russia feel emboldened to act without the checks and balances once provided by global institutions.
Moreover, Trump’s abrasive style and disregard for diplomacy could ignite new conflicts. His “fire and fury” rhetoric with North Korea was a stark example of how his volatile approach to diplomacy could risk escalation into military confrontation. While his critics point to his failure to denuclearize North Korea, others fear that his unpredictable behavior could provoke greater conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
With global challenges becoming more intertwined, the world cannot afford a leader who views international relationships through the lens of transactionalism. Climate change, nuclear proliferation, and pandemics are problems that transcend borders. Trump’s penchant for putting national interests above all else, coupled with his skepticism of scientific consensus, presents a real threat to global efforts to address these challenges.
On a geopolitical level, Trump’s focus on protecting U.S. economic interests at the expense of multilateral engagement risks alienating allies and reducing the collective ability to address these challenges. While his foreign policy victories may have bolstered his base, they have come at the cost of long-term stability and global collaboration.
Perhaps most concerning is the cult of personality that surrounds Trump. His supporters have rallied around his brand of populism and divisive rhetoric, transforming him into a symbol of defiance against the “elite” and a champion of the common man. This form of leadership, based on individual loyalty and rhetoric over substance, is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes. It’s not just about policies—it’s about the dangerous idolization of one individual, which threatens democratic principles, checks and balances, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, while Donald Trump may not be an immediate physical threat to the world, the larger implications of his leadership are profound. His disregard for diplomacy, undermining of democratic institutions, and tendency to view global relations as zero-sum games make him a destabilizing force in international politics. If he returns to the presidency, the consequences could be far-reaching: exacerbated global tensions, weakened alliances, and a more fractured world order.
Is Donald Trump a threat to the world? The answer depends on one’s perspective. To those who view the world through the lens of cooperation, stability, and shared progress, the answer is unequivocally yes. His return to power could very well mark a dangerous turning point in global geopolitics, one where division and distrust replace diplomacy and collaboration. The world cannot afford to ignore the risks of his leadership, nor the precedent it sets for future leaders to follow in his divisive wake.