Upon commencing his second term as U.S. President in January, Donald Trump pledged to prioritize peace and unity. He declared to both domestic and international audiences, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.”
Approximately one hundred days later, during his inaugural foreign trip encompassing three affluent Arab nations, he asserted progress towards this goal. Referencing the situation in Ukraine, he stated, “I will tell you that the world is a much safer place right now. I think in two or three weeks we can have a much safer place.”
However, evaluating the efficacy of this self-proclaimed “world’s best peacemaker” requires a nuanced assessment. Is President Trump truly fostering a more secure global environment, or is he inadvertently exacerbating existing tensions?
A comprehensive analysis necessitates considering multiple perspectives.
The realities of the world’s most significant conflicts cannot be overlooked.
President Trump boasts of his unique ability to negotiate with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Yet, Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, utilizing a record number of drones and missiles, since the full-scale invasion in 2022, present a contrasting narrative.
Similarly, despite his repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, reports from the Red Cross Field Hospital this week indicate the highest number of weapon-related injuries since the clinic’s establishment over a year ago.
Conversely, some positive developments are discernible.
Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are underway, facilitated by the American president, who maintains his commitment to a favorable agreement to avoid conflict.
The next round of negotiations, mediated by Oman, is scheduled for Sunday, though speculation persists regarding potential Israeli military action against Iran.
Syria’s capacity to address internal strife and poverty has improved following President Trump’s unexpected announcement last month of sanctions relief, prompted by his Saudi Arabian ally.
David Harland, executive director of the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, aptly summarized the situation: “It’s the worst of times and the best of times. There are now more wars than ever in the world, but more conflicts are on the negotiating table and some are moving forward.”
Trump’s assertion that only he can facilitate dialogue with key players holds some truth. He uniquely commands the attention of leaders such as Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“You bet, they’re scared of him,” confirmed K. T. McFarland, Trump’s former deputy national security advisor, who will participate in a BBC World Service debate on the president’s impact on global security.
His approach, “peace through strength,” hinges on his belief that his forceful personality, strong threats, and direct communication can resolve conflicts. While he has claimed the ability to end wars swiftly, this has yet to be fully realized.
While Trump has facilitated renewed dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian officials, substantive progress beyond prisoner exchanges remains limited, and President Putin shows no indication of ending the war.
Trump’s strong warnings to Hamas, coupled with pressure on Israel, contributed to a Gaza ceasefire agreement in January, even before his inauguration. However, this truce, hailed by Trump as “epic,” collapsed in March.
An Arab diplomat noted the president’s preference for expedient solutions in complex conflicts, stating, “He doesn’t like to get into the detail.”
Martin Griffiths, former UN Under-Secretary General and current Executive Director of Mediation Group International, emphasized the importance of enduring peace agreements rather than temporary ceasefires: “We all want deals, but we know deals don’t work or don’t last, if they’re not peace deals, as opposed to end-of-war deals.”
Trump, known for his disruptive approach, has also dismissed the expertise of seasoned diplomats, asserting, “They may know the rivers, the mountains, the terrain, but they don’t know how to do a deal.”
Instead, he favors utilizing advisors from his own business network, notably his golfing companion and former real estate lawyer, Steve Witkoff, who is currently managing various international issues.
President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda extends beyond individual deals. His actions have significantly challenged the rules-based international order established after World War II.
His repeated pronouncements regarding the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada have caused considerable unease among global leaders.
His substantial tariffs imposed on both allies and adversaries have provoked retaliatory measures and fears of a global trade war, further straining existing alliances.
Conversely, he has also galvanized some actors, including within NATO, prompting the alliance’s chief to encourage members to boost their military spending.
The American president also claimed credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following cross-border skirmishes last month. While U.S. involvement proved impactful, the contribution of other actors should also be acknowledged.
His “America First” approach has resulted in less attention to other conflicts, notably the ongoing violence in Sudan.
However, warring factions in various regions are actively seeking his engagement, leveraging their mineral resources and investment potential. President Trump’s proposed security-for-minerals deal in Congo has drawn criticism for neglecting underlying conflict drivers.
“If you could use a mineral deal to end decades of war, then there are countries who would have fixed that already,” stated Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group.
His administration’s reductions in UN aid and the dismantling of USAID have exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable populations and intensified tensions.
Furthermore, after just a few months into his second term, Trump’s frustration with uncooperative parties has led to threats of withdrawal from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
“Deals take forever,” noted Martin Griffiths, the former UN Under-Secretary General. “You have to start and you have to stay.”
The BBC World Service Debate – Is Donald Trump making the world safer or more dangerous?
The BBC World Service Debate examines the evolving global landscape under Trump’s presidency. Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet, along with a panel of experts, will discuss whether the emerging international order enhances global security.
The debate will air on the BBC News Channel at 21:00 BST on Friday, June 13th, streamed on the BBC News website, and broadcast on BBC Radio 5Live and World Service radio on Saturday, June 14th.
California senator Alex Padilla was removed from a press conference by authorities after interrupting Governor Noem.
Israel’s prime minister described Iran’s nuclear capabilities as an immediate threat, while Iran’s president vowed a strong response.
Crude oil prices impact various sectors, from grocery costs to fuel prices.
A Cobra meeting is scheduled to discuss the UK’s response to the situation.
A federal judge previously ordered the Trump administration to return control of California’s National Guard to the state.