Just recently, Donald Trump passed his first 100 days in office of his second term. From the very beginning, Trump has shown a different mindset and approach toward national and foreign policy issues. During his previous time in office, Trump wasn’t fully aware of what could be done. This time, however, it’s different. The way Trump is signing executive orders and imposing tariffs on almost every other country across the globe—it seems like he knows what he is doing.
Some are trying different names for the policies Trump is adopting. In recent times, some have even coined a term like “Trumpism”—something that could sum up Trump’s erratic actions on the global stage. The word madness might sound harsh; nevertheless, the way Trump is undermining every other norm in global politics can hardly be described otherwise. To justify the term “Trumpism,” a few examples may help illustrate the direction he’s heading. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order—declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and ordering the deployment of troops to enhance border security. He even challenged the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment on birthright citizenship.
As days go by, Trump’s policies are becoming increasingly harsh. His “Make America Great Again” and “America First” agendas have been implemented more aggressively than ever. Incidents like the Trump-Zelensky meeting at the White House shocked the world—the way the negotiation and agreement collapsed left analysts shell-shocked. He fueled Israel to bombard Gaza, creating a humanitarian crisis across the region. Meanwhile, in the Red Sea, Houthis are launching missiles toward Israeli territory and U.S. fleets. Trump responded by dispatching bombers and fighter jets to strike Yemen’s Houthi resistance. A full-scale trade war with China is the most recent chaotic policy the Trump administration has enacted, destabilizing the global economy and order. Trump’s latest executive order increased tariffs on Beijing to 125%, stacked on top of a combined 20% fentanyl-related tariff imposed in February and March. In retaliation, China imposed 125% tariffs on all imported goods from the U.S.
So, does Trump want to return to a protectionist policy? Protectionism reflects a deviation from free-market principles, typically justified by the aim of preserving national economic sovereignty, safeguarding employment, fostering the growth of infant industries, or ensuring national security. The champion of the free market—i.e., the USA—being seen as protectionist is a completely new phenomenon for the world. Protectionist policy is sometimes intertwined with isolationism. Isolationism is often contrasted with internationalism or interventionism. Historically, it is associated with certain periods in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the interwar years, when leaders sought to avoid the perceived costs of global involvement. In comparison, isolationism is a broader concept than protectionism. While protectionist policy relates strictly to economics, isolationism encompasses foreign policy—minimizing involvement in world affairs, including political, military, and economic engagement.
Observing Trump’s tariff policy and skepticism about alliances like NATO reveals the Trump administration as a staunch advocate of isolationism. Bringing troops home and showing disinterest in foreign wars further reflects this policy. In his early days, he halted aid to organizations like USAID. He withdrew from various multilateral treaties during his first term, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This time, he revoked the Paris Agreement. Trump’s open criticism of being the sole major donor to NATO and, until the Ukraine deal, his halt in funding Ukraine against Russian annexation—all these actions, along with global tariff impositions, suggest that Trump may be leading the U.S. back into an era of isolationism and protectionist policies. But this raises a deeper question: Do Trump’s policies reflect just one ideological stance, or are there more dimensions at play?
After the Cold War, the U.S. emerged as the “hyperpower”—a term that signified its uncontested global dominance, with no other superpower to rival it. However, by the early 21st century, the landscape had shifted. The 9/11 attacks and the ensuing War on Terror marked a period of deep U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Notably, the U.S. did not act alone during this time; it operated through the UN, NATO, or alliances. This reflected a multilateral approach. Whether in economic treaties or environmental agreements, the U.S. upheld its image as a global leader. One could argue that it was multilateralism that elevated the U.S. to its unique position in global politics. But under Donald Trump, a stark shift toward unilateralism is evident—an approach no previous U.S. president has embraced to such an extent.
Unilateralism refers to a state acting independently in international affairs without seeking the cooperation or consent of other states. Trump’s dismissive remarks about NATO, the world’s largest military alliance, stunned its member states. The ongoing annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia sends alarming messages to Europe, yet the U.S.’s hesitation during this period remains a concern. Trump’s flippant comments about Canada being the “51st state” or acquiring Greenland do not reflect isolationism alone. His suggestion to make Gaza a “World City” sparked disputes with European leaders like Emmanuel Macron. While imposing tariffs might fit under protectionist policy, doing so without consultation created rifts even with U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan. As the world calls for a ceasefire in Gaza—even major U.S. allies—the Trump administration is bombing Yemen and sending arms to Israel in the Red Sea. This pattern of behavior fits the definition of aggressive unilateralism: when a state forcefully pursues its own interests through unilateral actions, often ignoring international norms, institutions, or the concerns of other countries. Trump’s foreign policy appears to align with every element of this concept.
Now that 100 days have passed in the Oval Office, Trump still hasn’t fulfilled key promises like ending the Russia-Ukraine war or the conflict in Gaza. He had to pause his global tariff increases for 90 days—except with China. Some view Trump as attempting to reshape the very world order that the U.S. once built, ushering in a new era of American worldview. Whether it is called isolationism or aggressive unilateralism, the unpredictability of Trump’s behavior suggests a long and complex path ahead.
