In January, as Donald Trump took the oath of office for his second term as President of the United States, he made a bold declaration. Speaking to audiences both domestically and internationally, he proclaimed, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.” Less than four months later, during his inaugural foreign tour visiting three wealthy Arab nations, he reiterated this commitment, asserting, “I will tell you that the world is a much safer place right now” in the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine. He expressed optimism about achieving significant improvements within weeks.
Assessing Trump’s impact on global conflicts
Yet, the question remains: What tangible progress has the self-styled “world’s best peacemaker” truly accomplished? Critics point to the stark realities of ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. Despite Trump’s claims of being uniquely positioned to negotiate peace with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine continues to face intense bombardment from Russian forces, utilizing a greater number of drones and missiles than at any time since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Additionally, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Gaza reports an alarming increase in weapon-related injuries, contradicting Trump’s assertions of a safer environment.
Challenges and hopeful developments
Conversely, there are indications that some diplomatic avenues are being explored. Negotiations concerning nuclear disarmament between the US and Iran are progressing, spurred by Trump’s insistence on securing a favorable deal to prevent a disastrous conflict. The next round of talks, facilitated by Oman, is expected shortly amid swirling rumors of potential military actions by Israel against Iran.
The situation in Syria appears to show potential for improvement as well, following Trump’s recent decision to lift stringent sanctions at the request of Saudi Arabia. David Harland, the executive director of the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, encapsulates the duality of the current global landscape by stating, “It’s the worst of times and the best of times.” He notes that while the number of wars is at an all-time high, more conflicts are being addressed at the negotiation table.
Trump’s ability to engage with key figures like Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscores his unique position in international politics. K.T. McFarland, Trump’s former deputy national security adviser, affirmed, “You bet, they’re scared of him.” This power dynamic aligns with Trump’s philosophy of “peace through strength,” which he believes can bring resolution to conflicts through assertive engagement.
While Trump has facilitated some dialogues, the outcomes remain modest, with limited advancements beyond notable prisoner exchanges. The absence of a clear resolution from Putin further complicates the situation in Ukraine, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
“He doesn’t like to get into the detail,”
noted an Arab diplomat, emphasizing Trump’s inclination for swift agreements in the face of complex global issues. Former UN Under-Secretary General Martin Griffiths added that while deals are desired, they prove ineffective if they do not translate into genuine peace.
Trump’s controversial approach has led to significant shifts in the established world order. His administration has faced criticism for imposing tariffs on both allies and adversaries, leading to fears of trade wars and challenging long-standing international alliances.
Despite these challenges, Trump has also claimed credit for various ceasefire efforts, including a recent truce between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions. However, his focus on certain conflicts has raised concerns about neglected crises, such as those unfolding in Sudan.
As Trump navigates his second term, his administration’s budget cuts to UN aid agencies and the dismantling of USAID have sparked worries over the exacerbation of humanitarian crises around the world. The President has expressed frustration over protracted conflicts and even hinted at disengagement from situations like Ukraine, stating, “Deals take forever.”
As the international community grapples with these developments, the BBC World Service will host a debate on the evolving global landscape under Trump, examining whether his presidency is ultimately making the world a safer or more perilous place.
This debate will air on the BBC News Channel and be streamed online, offering a platform for various perspectives on the impact of Trump’s policies on global security.