Of Donald Trump’s policies and global politics

MANY great empires and countries rose and fell through conquest and war respectively. And none of the then ruling nations of the world was able to last forever. The Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine Empires all lost their grips on power, leaving behind relics and histories. And there is no assurance that they would rise again after the unprecedented falls. Every nation, modern or ancient, aspires to be reckoned with and lead the world. It wants to be feared and revered by other countries. Stealthily, the United States of America ascended to the top of the ladder even though it was once colonised by Great Britain. It became a super power and leading force in the world after its performance in the second World War. Learning a lesson from the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagazaki, other countries are not really ready to dare the United States. The military strength is intact, the stockpiles of weapons are enough to scare many nations. Also, its forces being stationed in every region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) of the world and its rapid growth in economy, science and technology further confirm the fact that the USA is a leader. To prove that it is truly the leading country, it contributes immensely to international organisations, and provides aids to the third world countries. Nigeria cannot underestimate  US assistance. But now that other nations are developing in all aspects, all that make America great is now possessed by countries such as China.

When the US President Donald Trump began his rhetoric last year during the campaign, he was considered a clown who would not make it to the White House let alone executing his anti-establishment (populist) policies that now stir the system. He was never joking as he remains resolute to change the establishment on which America exerts itself. Frankly, he condemned the United Nations just because his country has the largest financial and military contributions to the world body. Making his threats real, he has withdrawn the US from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on an accusation that the UN body was biased to Israel, a US ally. The UNESCO’s offence is its recognition of Palestine. The decision to pull the US out of the organisation is hasty. It is only diminishing the American reputation in the international arena. Besides, it aims at solving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Where is that peaceful resolution when one party is being treated with disdain? Thinking that the organisation won’t survive without it will be a great mistake on the part of America.

How do you trust a violator of agreements? The 2016 Paris Deal aimed at curbing (gas) emissions that has affected the climate was signed by 195 countries including China and the USA, the two leading emitters. America is expected to lead by example in this century to end the calamity it is a part of. It is irresponsible to withdraw, knowing the importance of its presence in the deal. The effects of the greenhouse are felt by all and sundry. Encouraging others to help the mother earth, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while carrying out its own responsibility as stated in the deal will project the US more at a time when military strength isn’t an exclusive right of a nation.

The abrupt withdrawal from the deal by the sUS government will open the door for the intending nations to take up the mantle. Before it knows to what extent it has abysmally lost its influence, one of China, Russia or Germany would have taken over. The power, perhaps, might not be lost in another world war as some people envisage, but in diplomacy and affairs that concern the whole world. Several countries, business and government organisations including individuals lash the Trump-led US administration for isolating itself from the international community. The US prestige is dwindling.

In 2015, peace was brokered by the UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany for the US and Iran, which was suffering from severe US and international economic sanctions because of its nuclear weapon programme. Denuclearising the world is what every world leader should aim to achieve. Hence, the deal was necessary. But President Trump will never hide his aversion to the landmark agreement that attempts to reduce the number of nuclear powers. Though the deal hurt its friends in Middle East, it helps to reduce tensions that nuclear weapons bring. All other parties in the deal including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have all certified that Iran is complying. What else does the Trump-led government wants? There must be errors. Decertifying Iran’s compliance is one of the perilous mistakes. Now, the US will face two known threats: Iran and the more belligerent North Korea apart from the Taliban and ISIS.

There is no way reclusive North Korea can be compelled or coaxed to abandon its ambition to build nuclear-tipped and intercontinental ballistic missiles when it observes the outcome of the applauded Iran deal being threatened by the US government. North Korea remains bellicose and adamant in its military quest whose results, it believes, will defend it against the unwarranted US aggression. Despite the rare United Nations’ unanimous actions and sanctions on the isolated country, it is still a threat to the United States, its allies and the entire world. North Korea would have halted the destructive programme when its major friend, China joined in imposing economic sanctions on Pyongyang. Countries cut ties with North Korea, yet it is or appears to be undeterred. It couldn’t trust the USA. It wouldn’t want to be in Iran’s. And Kim Jong Un could irk Donald Trump, pushing him to pull the trigger.

The outcome of the nuclear war will be more devastating for the US because ambitious China and Russia will swiftly support North Korea with either of the two moving to usurp America in the leadership of the world. Russia and China have keen interest in the eventuality between the US and North Korea. The American president and his rhetorics can plunge the world into another war which the US may lose. The loss will lead to the fall of America. Having helped to remove the veteran leader and dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, the US government could not make plans for the post-Gadaffi era. The North African country is being ruled by two governments. What America should have done to bring stability to the country is being shouldered by the French President Emmanuel Macron, whose visions for France include making it more powerful.

Venezuela, Cambodia, Cuba and a host of others see the US as imperialist. Even among its friends in the GCC (Qatar-GCC crisis), and in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), America through President Trump is causing upset. He once tagged NATO “obsolete”, saying all members must pay for their security. Perhaps he didn’t know that the US power also lies in its ability to secure the NATO members. Though he might not be reelected, his policies within four years are enough to disrepute America, and make the great nation slip and fall forever.

• Faboade writes in from Gbongan, Osun State.