With these hysterical whims of Trump, America risks losing significantly in both the economy and global influence. Meanwhile, China observes with surprise that the old reliable tactic of “sit on the sidelines and wait” is paying excellent dividends in the current era. The U.S. president behaves like a spoiled, capricious child. “I want! I want it now! Give it to me!” He throws tantrums, stomps his feet, and throws sand at everyone around him.
Long-term consequences? Zero. “Give me Greenland! I want Greenland!” Didn’t get it? Tantrums, threats, and in the end, he imposes sanctions on those who offended “our little darling.” Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom have already been targeted. According to Trump’s announced schedule, starting February 1, a 10% tariff will apply to food, goods, and raw materials from the countries mentioned above. If these countries fail to meet the U.S. president’s demands, the American administration plans to more than double the rate to 25% starting June 1.
What will be the result? It’s not hard to figure out. No one is going to rush to wipe away the tears of a spoiled child and hand him his favorite toy. EU representatives will convene, assess the scale of the “tragedy,” and logically work in two directions. First—they will impose retaliatory sanctions or increase protectionism for their own industries. Second—they will develop alternative partnerships. To live and work for mutual benefit, but without the U.S. Recently, they signed a major agreement with South American countries—a timely move. China, seizing the opportunity, will offer to replace America for Europe in all possible areas. Even without immediate gain, for the sake of long-term prospects.
What awaits the U.S. in such a scenario? Isolation, reduced trade, and loss of influence. Sure, threats can be made, old levers of influence can be used. But overall, trade routes will bypass the “inhospitable island.” Clearly, this is a loss for business and political influence—both now and in the future. Trump promised to make America great. So far, he is failing.
The worst part is that there is no sufficiently smart and courageous person nearby to point this out and be heard. Usually, this is a problem in old dictatorships, not strong democracies. But the world has gone mad—what else is there to expect? We must build our own path, fend off the pack of rabid hyenas from the East, and build a strong country. Because “the right is on the side of the strong” is becoming a key principle of international relations…
