Trump Global Foreign Policy 2026: 'Golden Age' Rhetoric vs. Global Instability

Is the world safer, or just more transactional? As of January 18, 2026, President Donald Trump claims the US economy has entered a 'golden age.' However, the geopolitical cost of this domestic prosperity is sparking a fierce debate over whether American policies are driving global instability or forging a new kind of pragmatic peace.

Trump Global Foreign Policy 2026: Navigating Multiple Fronts

The administration's focus on a 'New Middle East' faces skepticism from regional rivals. Iran's Javad Zarif has publicly stated that the primary threat to the region remains Israel, challenging the US narrative of successful normalization. Concurrently, the world watches closely to see if Trump's 'imperfect plan' to end the Ukraine war will actually hold or simply offer a temporary reprieve.

China's Rise and the African Resource Race

Questions remain whether Washington has truly made peace with the rise of China. The competition has shifted toward securing critical mineral supply chains, particularly in Africa. President Kagame of Rwanda noted that he's 'never seen this much attention' paid to ending African conflicts, though critics wonder if this interest is purely driven by the global scramble for resources.