Trump's incursion into global politics: the world will never be the same again

This was the conclusion reached by the participants of the Aspen Security Forum, an annual national security summit held in Aspen, Colorado, Politico reports.

"We need to realise that the old system is not going to come back in its original form," former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at the forum's closing panel.

In the first six months of his second term, Trump has significantly altered U.S. international relations, dealing "a serious blow to the global consensus on free trade and international co-operation," according to forum participants.

The Trump administration has eliminated the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and sharply reduced the staffs of the State Department, Pentagon and intelligence agencies. Administration officials themselves call these steps necessary to ensure that foreign policy is clearly aligned with the interests of the United States.

Nevertheless, critics believe that this seriously undermines the international authority of the United States, reduces the ability to respond to crises and negatively affects the economy. As a result, experts say, the world has entered the era of "America First" (America First).

Trump's first presidential term was perceived by political elites as a temporary phenomenon, and his decisions as reversible after leaving office. Now, however, according to forum participants, it has become clear that the changes will be long-term.

In a landmark episode, the Pentagon refused to send representatives to the conference, calling it a "globalist stronghold." The only administration official to attend was Special Envoy for Hostage Rescue Adam Boehler. He said the Trump administration is showing resolve in releasing American citizens held in other countries.

"I have a president and a team that support me," Boler said.

Despite minimal participation from administration officials, many conference attendees voiced support for a number of Trump's decisions, including successful airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and support for Ukraine.

There was mixed reception to the sweeping reform of the State Department.

"Everyone agrees that reforms are needed," said a former US diplomat who attended the forum. - But what is happening now is not reform, but simply the liquidation of government agencies and mistreatment of government employees."

Special attention was paid to the topic of foreign aid. Panellists agreed that the Trump administration's drive to gain access to Africa's strategic minerals presents an opportunity to strengthen the U.S. position in regions previously dominated by China.

"There are many issues to discuss, but I would not immediately condemn these initiatives," said Comfort Hérault, head of the International Crisis Group.

Notably, Trump's new economic policies have resonated with experts.

"It's very significant that two presidents in a row, from two different parties, are embracing protectionism. This is a radical change," noted former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.

But some participants expressed frustration at the lack of critical discussion of how Trump's style and policies could affect democratic institutions.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan, who worked in Joe Biden's administration, emphasised that Trump's election victory should not be taken as an unequivocal endorsement of isolationism.

"Americans still believe in principled engagement in the affairs of the world," he opined.

Meanwhile, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned against the danger of uncertainty created by the current US course.

"Anyone who has studied history knows that the most dangerous period is the transition from one world order to another," he said. - We are now in just such a transition."

The Aspen Forum was thus a recognition that the world has entered a new phase where old approaches to foreign policy are losing ground.

"We are already seeing a lot of things crumbling, but nothing new is being created," the former U.S. diplomat noted.