The End of Sovereignty: John Mearsheimer on Trump Foreign Policy and Global Order

Is the age of state sovereignty coming to an end? John Mearsheimer, the renowned political scientist and father of offensive realism, warns that Donald Trump's recent actions are dismantling the bedrock of international law. In an interview with SCMP published on January 19, 2026, he argues that the U.S. raid on Venezuela and ambitions for Greenland signal a dangerous shift in global power dynamics.

Impact of Trump Foreign Policy on Global Sovereignty

According to Mearsheimer, the current administration's operations in Venezuela are significantly weakening the principles of the UN Charter. While great powers have historically ignored sovereignty when it suits them, Mearsheimer notes that Trump's approach is more overt. The president has demonstrated little regard for non-interference, setting a precedent that he has the right to challenge the sovereignty of any state whenever he sees fit.

This disregard for established norms isn't just a tactical move; it represents a fundamental change in how the U.S. views its role as a superpower. Mearsheimer believes this creates a bad precedent that other great powers might soon emulate, further destabilizing the post-war world order.

Greenland Strategy and the Difficulty of Iran

Addressing the ambition to acquire Greenland, Mearsheimer acknowledges it as a strategic possibility but contrasts it with the challenges in the Middle East. He argues that while regime change might be feasible in places like Panama or Venezuela, attempting it in Iran would be far more difficult and complex. This highlights the selective and often high-risk nature of current U.S. foreign maneuvers.