America matters but it is not indispensable to the world First Post 31 Jan 2026

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/america-matters-but-its-not-indispensable-for-the-world-13974499.html

America matters but it is not indispensable to the world First Post 31 Jan 2026

          Trump threatened Europe on Greenland, placing it in a quandary. Post his discussion with Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, Trump backed down from threats of tariffs and use of military power, while claiming victory. Trump mentioned ‘we’re going to have total access to Greenland,’ adding, ‘we’re going to have all the military access we want.’ He also mentioned that ‘It’s a deal that’s forever,’ without giving details. It has been almost a week and no further inputs have flowed.

Denmark and Greenland, the nations involved, are yet unaware of what transpired between Trump and Rutte. It is possible that there would be future discussions between the US and concerned nations on Greenland. Trump continues to rant and rave on his allies, accusing them of acting against US interests.

At Davos, Trump was at his insulting best, largely at those who believe they are close to him. He mocked Europe for its renewable energy policies claiming China was selling windmills to ‘stupid people in Europe.’ He added that European countries are ‘destroying themselves.’ He belittled Switzerland as it was ‘only good because of us.’ He also mocked Macron’s ‘beautiful sunglasses’ as also issued threats of tariffs to Canada. His ultimate comment was on US military and economic power, ‘without us, most of the countries don’t even work.’

Bullying and pushing his way has been Trump’s methodology all through his tenure. On trade imbalances, he imposes high tariffs forcing leaders to run to Washington to assuage his ego. Heads of state from Europe, Japan, SE Asia and others met Trump to gain reprieve from his tariffs. Not much happened. Ultimately trade deals were inked on Trump’s terms, many yet to be implemented. That still did not end additional tariff threats. Trump believes that tariffs is the best means of subjugating nations.

Even his peace deals have a measure of bullying. Zelensky has been insulted in the White House, threatened with cutting off all support, compelling him to bend. Adverse comments on his non-holding of elections have flowed regularly.

Zelensky tried to get into Trump’s good books by publicly rebuking Europe and praising Trump in Davos, but to no avail. He termed Europe as a ‘beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers,’ while claiming Trump is needed as ‘no security guarantees work without the US.’ Interestingly, it was Europe which backed him more than Trump. He has been forced into talks with Russia.

Israel had to swallow Trump’s choice of nations in his Board of Peace (BoP) as also to accept participation of countries in Gaza as determined by Trump. Netanyahu’s objections have been ignored. Trump announces, at least once a week, that he has stopped eight wars, whereas, in reality all are either ongoing or had concluded well before. Almost no one is concerned on his claims, least of all Norway, which manages the Nobel award.

Europe, which remains militarily as also economically dependent on the US, has been facing the brunt of his anger. As he was departing Davos, he threatened Europe with retaliation if it dumped US Treasury bonds to pressure Washington. This was Europe’s ultimate weapon. Trump warned, ‘If that would happen, there would be a big retaliation on our part, and we have all the cards.’ What could be expected was explained by Mark Rutte who mentioned, ‘If anyone thinks that the EU, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US — keep on dreaming. You can’t.’

There is no doubt that the US currently possesses the most powerful economy and military, hence possesses the ability to influence the globe. Previous US presidents projected their military power in regions based on their perceptions, leaving a mess. However, these actions were taken alongside their allies in Europe. It was this approach which bound Europe and the US. 

With passage of a year, the world has become used to Trump’s tantrums. His attempt to push through the Board of Peace (BoP) has met with limited success. Nineteen inconsequential nations have signed up. The one’s who matter, Europe, India, China etc have maintained a distance. Flaws in the BoP are well known.

Nations have also learnt to adjust with Trump’s theatrics. India has ignored Trump’s comments and accepted his tariffs, while seeking alternate markets with Free Trade Agreements. PM Modi refused to rush to Washington or bow to Trump. New Delhi has maintained silence on hundreds of Trump’s announcements of having stopped Operation Sindoor as also of reducing procurement of Russian oil. It has also not endorsed his name for a Nobel award as Pakistan has done. India, unlike China, lacks a lever to counter Trump, hence faces the brunt. 

China is exploiting its control over rare earth minerals as a bargaining chip to push back against the US. Trump has been coerced into avoiding sanctioning China for procuring Russian oil. Post his meeting with Xi in Oct, Trump mentioned that they did not discuss oil, adding, ‘He (Xi) has been buying oil from Russia for a long time. It takes care of a big part of China.’

Nations like Pakistan have adopted a different approach. Islamabad is cozying upto Trump, massaging his ego, inking deals with his family dominated companies, participating in the BoP, nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize as also declared its willingness to participate in Gaza.

Many have realized that the US can never be a trusted ally. Hence have begun seeking alternatives to trade so as to offset US threats and tariffs. Countries in demand are India and China. The reason, large markets, a growing economy, secure environment, an autonomous foreign policy and refusal to kneel before Trump. Global leaders are flocking New Delhi and Beijing inking trade deals favourable to both sides.

In India’s case, while its trade agreement with the US face stumbling blocks, those with other nations are moving. These are being negatively looked upon by Trump’s advisors. On the recent India-EU trade agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned, ‘We have put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Guess what happened last week? The Europeans signed a trade deal with India.’

The world will move beyond the US and Trump would be solely responsible. Trump has failed to realize that despite all its power, there are alternatives available to those who seek them.