Donald Trump’s first 100 days: peace broker or architect of global disorder?

In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to power, the first 100 days have been marked by a flurry of activity that has dramatically reshaped the geopolitical landscape. The 78-year-old president has imposed his own rhythm, challenging longstanding alliances, threatening territorial annexations, and redefining America’s role on the global stage.

Trump, who positions himself as a "peace broker," harbors aspirations of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He has initiated unprecedented negotiations with both Russia and his long-time adversary Iran, though the outcomes remain mixed.

His administration’s sweeping tariffs, targeting major competitors like China, along with actions in Panama and Greenland, illustrate a distinctly unilateral approach. By cornering European allies and slashing foreign aid, Trump advances his "America First" agenda—a strategy rooted in transactional diplomacy.

This shift marks a departure from decades of American soft power and calls into question the tenets of globalization and free trade. Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, reflects on this upheaval, noting that the Trump administration has “blended previous certainties into a volatile mix.”

However, achieving these ambitious goals has proven more complex than the president's rhetoric might suggest. The resurgence of violence in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlight the challenges facing his administration.

Rapprochement with Putin

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Trump's foreign policy is his budding relationship with Vladimir Putin, whom he openly admires. By rekindling ties with the Russian president, Trump has ended his international isolation, albeit at the potential expense of Ukraine.

The Kremlin, previously regarded as a pariah by the Biden administration and Western nations following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has found a surprising ally in Trump. Recently, American and Russian officials engaged in historic negotiations in Saudi Arabia, aiming to mend their fractured relations.

Speculation surrounds a potential face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin, possibly occurring this April in the kingdom, which has assumed the role of an influential intermediary. Meanwhile, the United States has adopted a firmer stance against Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky, following a controversial encounter during his visit to the White House that made headlines worldwide.

With European nations sidelined, they were invited to participate in trilateral discussions last week in Paris, with further talks scheduled in London. Yet, as ceasefire negotiations flounder, Trump has threatened to withdraw from discussions if a resolution is not swiftly reached.

Negotiations with Iran

On another front, the American president has embarked on rare negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. Following decades of enmity since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, indirect talks have taken place in Oman and Rome, spearheaded by Trump's confidant and billionaire associate, Steve Witkoff.

While the administration maintains a policy of “maximum pressure” against Tehran, it also claims to favor diplomatic solutions, though military intervention remains a possibility should Iran pursue nuclear weapons.

Administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, assert that Trump is venturing beyond conventional diplomacy, positioning himself as uniquely capable of navigating these complex negotiations.

Among his other notable actions since January 20, Trump has announced the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). He has also proposed significant cuts to foreign aid, citing wastefulness and programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additionally, Trump has implemented strict policies aimed at expelling undocumented migrants and has launched an offensive against Mexican drug cartels, labeling them as foreign terrorist organizations.

Historian Melvyn Leffler of the University of Virginia observes that Trump’s initiatives are upending norms established since World War II. He suggests that Trump embodies a return to the social Darwinism characteristic of the late 19th century, believing nations are locked in a struggle for survival, casting doubt on the future of a liberal global order that has prevailed since 1945.