With Donald Trump back in office, the international landscape faces a unique pivot point, but the question remains: is it too late for the U.S. to regain the trust of emerging nations? Over recent years, numerous countries have grown wary of American foreign policy, particularly as ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine reflect a U.S. approach seen by many as more interested in geopolitical dominance than in global stability. This disillusionment has driven emerging economies towards the BRICS alliance, viewing it as a viable alternative to U.S. influence.
Under the past five years of Democratic leadership, the U.S. saw increasing alignment with conflicts and sanctions rather than fostering diplomatic ties. Many nations, including members of BRICS, feel sidelined or pressured, making the appeal of a non-dollar-dominated trade ecosystem stronger than ever. Trump’s return, marked by his “America First” stance, poses both an opportunity and a risk: can he reshape this dynamic, or is the U.S. already too far removed from the global trust it once enjoyed?
Trump’s historical skepticism of NATO and interest in a potential realignment with Russia add layers of intrigue. It is conceivable that he might attempt to work with Russia to isolate China, but in today’s multipolar world, this tactic seems less viable. China’s and Russia’s shared objectives within BRICS, alongside India’s and Brazil’s growing economic clout, make BRICS a formidable bloc, no longer vulnerable to disruption by U.S. policies. Aiming to “break” BRICS would be both unfeasible and counterproductive; the alliance now includes significant economies that are reluctant to revert to U.S.-led initiatives.
Trump’s options, therefore, may be limited. Even if he attempts to reshape alliances or downplay conflict-driven diplomacy, BRICS has already established a level of autonomy that reflects growing global sentiment to reduce dependency on the dollar. Trump’s unique approach to foreign policy could potentially slow the shift, but a full reversal seems unlikely in the face of entrenched mistrust. As more countries distance themselves from U.S. influence, preferring economic sovereignty and alternatives like BRICS, Trump’s efforts may fall short, leaving the U.S. to grapple with an increasingly self-reliant and assertive international community.
