Since returning to the White House in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has reasserted an ‘America First’ foreign policy approach, acting faster and more aggressively than in his first term. His administration has prioritized bilateral transactional diplomacy over collective security arrangements and global governance frameworks, deliberately breaking from post-WWII norms of international engagement and multilateralism. Despite leveraging economic threats and diplomatic pressure, the administration continues to face vexing challenges – a corrosive economic stalemate with China and the continuation of several conflicts – even as it faces eroding support and economic pressure at home.
This session will discuss questions including:
- How should we account for the outcomes of President Trump’s foreign policy approach?
- In what ways has President Trump’s foreign policy benefitted American interests or undermined American power or strategic objectives?
- What are the implications for the future of multilateral institutions, alliances, and global governance norms?
By registering for this event, attendees agree to our Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming space for diverse perspectives and debate.
