Today, America finds itself in a chaotic situation. In its attempt to safeguard the liberal world order, it is struggling to hold onto its own principles. It is relying on multiple policies simultaneously — policies that are forcing it into a singular direction. The US is trying to balance two conflicting strategies at once. This raises the question: where will America and Europe stand in the new world order? Can the US achieve its objectives by adopting policies like New Isolationism or foreign policy realignment?
US President Donald Trump, under the slogan America First, withdrew the country from several global commitments, including shutting down diplomatic missions. This marked a return to New Isolationism. A similar pattern was seen after World War I when the US refused to join the League of Nations in 1919. The period between the 1920s and 1930s, known as the Great Depression, also saw the US limiting its military and trade interventions. As America withdrew, leaders like Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany grew stronger. Hitler, intent on tightening his grip over Europe, eventually ignited World War II. This forced the US to enter the war in 1941.
Following its defeat in the Vietnam War, the US witnessed a surge in the ‘No More Wars’ sentiment, leading to a reduction in global interventions. In 2016, Trump revived America First, distancing the US from NATO and European allies while showing little interest in global affairs. However, the Biden administration reversed many of these policies. Now, with Trump’s return, the America First slogan is once again shaping US policy.
After World War II, the US realigned its foreign policy, taking the lead in establishing the liberal world order. This led to the formation of NATO, the United Nations, the World Bank, and other global institutions, solidifying America's position as a superpower. In 1972, then President Richard Nixon recalibrated US policy by initiating diplomatic ties with China, moving away from its previous support for Taiwan and formally recognizing Beijing at the UN. Similarly, after the 9/11 attacks, the US shifted its focus, and under Biden, the priority became countering China in the Asia-Pacific region.
The US has had both successes and failures in these policy shifts. However, the current scenario is different. If the US fully embraces Isolationism—as Trump advocates—it will put the future of liberalism at risk. Europe, a strong supporter of liberal values, will be left alone. Right-wing parties in France (Marine Le Pen), Germany (Alternative for Germany), Italy (Giorgia Meloni), Hungary (Viktor Orbán), Poland, and other European nations are already gaining momentum. Many of these groups oppose the very existence of the European Union.
Even if the US maintains economic and diplomatic influence while following an isolationist path, it will struggle to uphold the liberal world order. The real challenge lies in balancing national interests with global liberalism
Trump has repeatedly stated that Europe should stand on its own and not depend on the US for NATO security. He has cut military aid to Ukraine. If the US withdraws from NATO, Europe will have to take charge of its own security, which will have serious consequences. Right-wing nationalist parties in Europe — already on the rise — will echo ‘Europe First’ rhetoric. This will force European governments to increase military spending, ultimately dismantling the welfare state model. Once welfare policies collapse, conservative parties will seek better ties with Russia — something already evident in Hungary and Germany.
Even if the US maintains economic and diplomatic influence while following an isolationist path, it will struggle to uphold the liberal world order. The real challenge lies in balancing national interests with global liberalism. If America abandons its leadership role, China and Russia will step in to fill the vacuum, accelerating the decline of liberalism worldwide.
Trump may believe that the US can once again retreat into isolationism without consequence, as it did in the past. However, this is an illusion. The geopolitical landscape has changed. Unlike before, China and Russia are now powerful rivals. The US is no longer the sole superpower, and Europe is not as resilient as it once was. Previously, nationalist parties in Europe were viewed with suspicion—now they are gaining strength.
If America aligns with Russia, it will still have to surrender its leadership. If it confronts China, it will also risk its dominance. And if it tries to establish new alliances in the Asia-Pacific region to maintain leadership, that too is wishful thinking. The reality is clear: the US is losing its global leadership. It has not only jeopardized itself but has also put Europe in a precarious position.
