America First – Again. How the World Is Dealing with Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy

America First – Again. How the World Is Dealing with Donald Trump's Foreign Policy

• Editorial of the issue: “America First – Again”

  The 2024 US elections have had a lasting impact on the security policy debate in Europe. One year on, it is evident that Trump’s foreign policy remains difficult to predict and is often transactional and unilateral in nature. In this edition, we examine the responses of various states – from Canada and Mexico to Israel, the Gulf states, and Vietnam. What patterns can be identified, and what consequences arise from them for Germany and Europe?

  by Gerhard Wahlers

• Israel’s View of Trump 2.0

  Backing with Side Effects

  Although the US is significantly expanding its military support for Israel, the growing dominance of unilateral actions suggests that the previous balance between joint strategic planning and national interest-driven policies is disappearing, which could permanently change the regional security architecture. Can a reliable alliance between the US and Israel continue to exist under these conditions?

  by Michael Rimmel

• The First Year of Trump’s Second Term from the Gulf Perspective

  Honeymoon and Black Eyes

  After a promising start to US-Gulf relations under President Trump, security setbacks soon followed. Military escalations and diverging strategic priorities raise questions about the resilience of personal networks. What consequences will this have for the region’s stability?

  by Philipp Dienstbier

• How Mexico’s President Is Dealing with the New US Policy

  The Trump Whisperer

  Donald Trump is putting Mexico under pressure – with tariffs, threats, and demands. President Sheinbaum responds calmly, yet her room for manoeuvre is narrow. She relies on pragmatic diplomacy to avoid escalation while firmly asserting national sovereignty. Between economic dependence and political self-determination, Mexico must navigate a risky balancing act. Can this strategy truly safeguard its interests without jeopardising relations with its powerful northern neighbour?

  by Maximilian Strobel

• Canada’s Relations with the United States under Donald Trump

  Elbows Up, Elbows Down

  Canada faces a historic test: Following Trump’s re-election, tensions with the United States are intensifying, and Prime Minister Carney is forging new alliances in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. How will Canada succeed in balancing economic independence with geopolitical security? And what consequences will this shift have for the country’s future?

  by Bernd Althusmann

• Vietnam’s Relations with the United States under Trump 2.0

  A Balancing Act between Closeness and Independence

  As Washington halts aid programmes addressing war legacies such as “Agent Orange” and raises tariffs, Hanoi is rolling out the red carpet for the Trump family’s private ventures. With the fast-tracking approval for a luxury golf resort, Vietnam seeks to mitigate tensions and avert further damage. But can this blend of geopolitics and personal favours truly secure the future of bilateral relations?

  by Lewe Paul

• US–Taiwan Relations under Trump 2.0

  Return to Strategic Ambiguity

  For Donald Trump, the United States is no longer a protective power but an insurance company – and Taiwan is expected to pay the premium. This forces the island republic into a precarious balancing act between military build-up and the sell-off of key technologies. When the most important ally becomes unreliable, new strategies are needed. Discover how Taiwan is attempting to break free from its one-sided dependence – and why its gaze may increasingly turn towards Europe.

  by Marcin Jerzewski

• Exploring the Impact of Trump’s Protectionism on African Markets

  From Preferential Trade to Tariffs

  The end of AGOA and new US tariffs mark a turning point for African markets: Amid risks, new dependencies, and opportunities for partnerships with the EU and China, African states must realign their trade strategies. How are the affected countries responding to the changing rules of the game? What prospects are emerging for Africa’s economy after the expiry of AGOA?

  by Anja Berretta, Chantelle Moyo, Jule Steinmann

• The Impact of US Policy on Global Health

  When All Concerns Are Trumped

  The global health architecture is undergoing a fundamental transformation that will decide whether stability and security can be preserved. With the United States withdrawing from key institutions, decades of progress are at risk, and other nations are forced to step forward. What future awaits global health policy when long-cherished certainties vanish? Could this be the moment for a reset of the international health architecture?

  by Andrea Ellen Ostheimer