President Donald Trump’s approach can be interpreted as demanding a "free lunch" from other states from the international community. While this is nothing new as US has aways had these imperialist and neocolonialist strategies with weaker states Trumps approach reflects a broader America First doctrine where the expectation is that other nations should compensate the US for its involvement in its affairs, often at the expense of collaborative diplomacy. Examples of this can be seen in recent US spats with countries like Panama, Greenland, Mexico, and various European nations. The article discusses how President Trump is advocating for shaking down targeted states — be them allies or foes — with an expectation of concessions of resources without reciprocation.
Shakedown Is Law
In a desperate attempt to salvage the US economic fortune, President Donald Trump’s turns to direct colonial threats of the domination against weaker nations, shifting from a neocolonial approach to more direct colonial one. Abandoning the accustomed neocolonial methods of conquest which have been prevalent since decolonization period that significantly shaped global politics in the 20th century, especially following each of the two World Wars.
US imperialism and its inherent neo-colonial governance means that all who transact with the US must forgo their own interests at the negotiating table and be grateful to be allowed to be sitting all. Trump’s recent statements about the Panama Canal and the island of Greenland might seem more proactive than Biden's at first glance but are a continuation of the same policies through other means so targeted states effectively can’t negotiate.
In the context of US foreign policy, the notion of “shakedown” has become a foundational principle, characterizing a hybrid war approach that combines military, economic, and diplomatic pressures. This strategy often targets both adversaries and allies, compelling compliance through threats, sanctions, or strategic incentives. By utilizing a shakedown method, the US aims to assert dominance and extract concessions, effectively making it a norm in its international dealings.
The US under Trump seems incapable of competing within global capitalism and economic mercantilism to fix its systemic problems, thus it resorts to asking for free lunches by using these tactics like the ones used against Panama, Greenland and elsewhere. Many allied nations, feeling the weight of dependency on American support find themselves often sacrificing their sovereignty in the process. This approach not only undermines the principles of mutual respect and cooperation but also fosters resentment among nations that feel coerced into submission. Trump is not beyond using US imperialism which creates a perception that the US is willing to use coercion to achieve its goals leading to strained relationships and a lack of trust among nations.
An Offer You Can't Refuse
The US has implemented sanctions against countries with its Rules based Orders sanctions regime, as a way to enforce its foreign policy and protect its economic interests. These sanctions often come with significant consequences for nations that engage in trade with those deemed adversarial, creating a chilling effect on international commerce, where countries may hesitate to engage with certain nations for fear of losing commercial privileges or facing economic repercussions. The US appears to be signaling that aligning with its interests is crucial for states to maintain state integrity and economic viability in the New Cold War. Trump mostly promises a more coherent form of US imperialism than what has been taking place hitherto.