The leaders of Russia, China, and North Korea have consistently demonstrated their lack of respect for President Donald Trump over the past decade. They recognize him as an unserious man operating in a world often dominated by their own authoritarian regimes.
A recent military parade in Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, during which Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gathered, omitting the American president from their celebrations. This clear exclusion underscores their perception of Trump’s inadequacy in the international arena.
While the United States played a critical role in defeating Japan and liberating Eurasia during the war, Trump was relegated to the sidelines, similarly to how the global authoritarians view him. The event, intended to demonstrate military solidarity, further illustrated Trump’s diminishing influence, especially as Putin refused to heed Trump’s calls for an end to the war in Ukraine during their summit in Alaska.
What ensued was a grotesque display of humiliation for Trump, who had hoped to sustain an equal footing with the Russian leader. Instead, Putin’s priorities became glaringly evident as he disregarded Trump’s pleas, engaging instead in a unilateral manner during their interactions.
China and North Korea have also capitalized on Trump’s perceived weaknesses. Xi Jinping has been adeptly positioning China as a pillar of international stability while publicly rebuffing the United States, even siding with India—an erstwhile adversary—against Trump’s proposed tariffs.
North Korea, meanwhile, has taken advantage of Trump’s approach by continuing its nuclear ambitions unhindered. Despite the earlier relationships Trump sought to cultivate with Kim Jong Un through casual meetings and diplomatic gestures, the North Korean leadership appears to have recognized that genuine discussions about their nuclear program would be saved for more consequential leaders rather than an American president they deem ineffective.
In response to his exclusion from the Beijing festivities, Trump took to his social media platform, ostensibly to express his displeasure. His comments, however, came off as petulant and insecure, showcasing his struggle to project the strength and authority expected of a U.S. president. Trump’s social media post, which included a thinly veiled jab at Xi, Putin, and Kim, lacked the gravitas needed to counter the serious geopolitical dynamics at play.
This reflexive behavior reflects a broader truth about Trump’s leadership style, marked by a constant need for affirmation and recognition. Rather than adopting a tone of dignified diplomacy, Trump opted for a somewhat juvenile response, claiming he would have skipped the event even with an invitation, leaving the impression of a leader focused more on personal feelings than on a cohesive international strategy.
Sadly, Trump’s approach has not only strained relations with adversaries but also alienated traditional U.S. allies, who see his presidency as more of a liability than an asset. Trump’s foreign policy, largely driven by personal motives, has led to chaos and fragmentation, leaving many international partners to navigate these tumultuous waters by circumventing him.
European leaders, after realizing the complications inherent in working with Trump, have made efforts to placate him. Following an awkward summit in Anchorage, they flocked to Washington, trying to reassure him of his standing in global politics even as they interpreted his policies as echoing Kremlin talking points.
The absence of a coherent foreign policy under Trump’s administration has continued to afflict American prestige internationally. Lacking a clear vision and strategic direction, Trump has instead immersed himself in momentary photo opportunities and social media announcements, seemingly for personal glory rather than national interest.
The personnel choices within Trump’s administration have only exacerbated these issues. Once regarded as capable figures, former Secretary of Defense James Mattis laid the groundwork for a potential national-defense strategy that Trump has largely disregarded. Current appointments at the Pentagon, such as Pete Hegseth, lack the necessary insight or capability to navigate complex foreign policy challenges effectively.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now in a compromised role, spends his time attending press conferences while Trump delivers questionable statements, illustrating a troubling power dynamic that has relegated coherent policy-making to an afterthought.
Worse yet, the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is currently preoccupied with internal investigations rather than focusing on external threats. Her misguided pursuits echo a widespread sentiment within the administration that prioritizes personal grievances over substantive national security concerns.
For America to regain its footing on the global stage, it will need leadership that transcends the ego-driven operations that define Trump’s presidency. The international display of unity among authoritarian leaders signals a worrisome trend, and the U.S. must reevaluate its approach to diplomacy and engagement under serious circumstances.
In summary, the fallout from President Donald Trump’s tenure has deep roots, defined by his unpredictable personality and incapacity to foster respectful relationships with international counterparts. As global dynamics continue to unfold, the implications of Trump’s policies—domestic and foreign—carry significant weight in the realm of international relations, requiring future leaders to undertake the difficult task of restoring America’s prominence and integrity on the world stage.
image source from：theatlantic
