Donald Trump the Realist-Capitalist of the New World Order-Which way Africa.
By. Godson. Azu.
Donald Trump is a prominent figure in American history known for his business career, reality television fame, and tenure as the 45th President of the United States (2017–2021). His personality, business ventures, political career, and approach to diplomacy are deeply interconnected and have shaped his legacy. Here’s an analysis of these aspects in their historical context:
Trump’s personality has been a defining element of his public image, marked by:
• Charisma and Showmanship: A flamboyant, larger-than-life figure with a strong presence in the media. His confidence, bravado, and willingness to dominate the narrative were key traits.
• Controversy and Polarization: Trump has consistently courted controversy, using inflammatory rhetoric and a combative style that polarizes public opinion.
• Negotiation and Self-Promotion: Known for his branding acumen, he used phrases like “Make America Great Again” and personal branding to resonate with supporters.
• Unpredictability: Both an asset and liability, Trump’s unpredictable behavior kept opponents off balance but sometimes alienated allies.
His personality aligns with that of other populist leaders who leveraged their personal style to connect directly with constituents.
Trump built his reputation as a businessman before entering politics:
• Real Estate Empire: He inherited a substantial real estate business from his father, Fred Trump, and expanded it into luxury hotels, casinos, and high-profile properties, such as Trump Tower in Manhattan.
• Branding: Trump’s name became synonymous with wealth and opulence, appearing on products ranging from steaks to ties. He leveraged his brand as a global symbol.
• Financial Challenges: Trump’s business ventures were not without controversy. Several of his businesses faced bankruptcies, lawsuits, and accusations of mismanagement.
• Reality TV: His role as the host of The Apprentice (2004–2015) amplified his fame, cementing him as a household name and portraying him as a shrewd businessman.
Trump represented the quintessential 1980s and 1990s American tycoon, combining aggressive deal-making with self-promotion.
Trump’s political career is one of the most unconventional in American history:
• Populist Movement: He emerged as a political outsider who captured widespread support by criticizing the establishment, emphasizing nationalism, and addressing economic grievances.
• America First Agenda: His policies focused on trade protectionism, stricter immigration controls, and withdrawing from global agreements he viewed as unfavorable (e.g., Paris Climate Accord, Trans-Pacific Partnership).
• Republican Party Transformation: Trump reshaped the Republican Party in his image, emphasizing loyalty and prioritizing cultural and economic nationalism.
• Impeachments and Legal Challenges: He faced two impeachments during his presidency, reflecting his polarizing impact on American politics.
• Election Denial: His refusal to concede the 2020 election and the events of January 6, 2021, remain pivotal and controversial moments in his political legacy.
Trump’s presidency reflects the rise of populist leaders globally in the 21st century, particularly amid economic uncertainty and cultural divide.
Trump’s diplomatic style was distinctive and often unconventional:
• Bilateralism Over Multilateralism: He favored direct negotiations with individual countries over multilateral agreements, emphasizing “deals” that benefited the U.S.
• Unconventional Relationships: Trump pursued relationships with controversial leaders, including Vladimir Putin of Russia, Kim Jong-un of North Korea, and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil. He often emphasized personal rapport over traditional diplomatic norms.
• Tensions with Allies: His approach sometimes strained relationships with traditional U.S. allies, particularly in NATO, where he criticized countries for insufficient defense spending.
• Major Diplomatic Moves:
• Opening direct talks with North Korea, though without long-term denuclearization agreements.
• The Abraham Accords, fostering normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
• Withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, citing its inadequacies in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump’s diplomacy reflected a transactional, business-oriented approach, differing sharply from the norms of previous administrations
Trump’s rise reflects several historical currents:
• Economic Disruption: The global financial crisis of 2008 and subsequent inequality fueled populist movements worldwide, including Trump’s.
• Media Evolution: His mastery of television and social media (especially Twitter) revolutionized political communication.
• Cultural Division: Trump capitalized on cultural divides in America, focusing on issues like immigration, race, and economic dislocation.
Trump can be seen as both a product and driver of the polarized and populist political era of the early 21st century.
Trump a Realist-Capitalist
Donald Trump’s political worldview aligns closely with realist principles, though with certain deviations influenced by his personal style and populist rhetoric. Realism focuses on prioritizing national interest, state sovereignty, and the pursuit of power in an anarchic international system. Trump’s “America First” agenda embodies these characteristics in several ways.
President Donald Trump’s return to power in 2025 represents a manifestation of Realist-Capitalism infused with oligarchic tendencies. His philosophy revolves around transactional relationships, prioritizing national sovereignty, and a pragmatic approach to domestic and foreign policy. Trump’s leadership is defined by a business-first mindset, marked by bold decision-making, unapologetic nationalism, and a disdain for traditional globalist frameworks. His approach to a Neo-America emphasizes strategic competition in an emerging multipolar world, focusing on economic strength and geopolitical dominance.
Under a Trump-led administration, the United States would likely adopt a Realist-Capitalist model of governance that blends economic pragmatism, nationalism, and oligarchic consolidation of power. His leadership style, rooted in deal-making and disruption, seeks to restore what he perceives as American global primacy through:
1. Economic Supremacy: Deregulation, tax incentives, and economic decoupling from adversaries like China.
2. National Security: Expansion of military capabilities, especially in space and cyber domains.
3. Transactional Diplomacy: Bilateralism over multilateralism, focusing on the U.S.’s competitive edge.
4. Cultural Identity: Reshaping American identity around traditional values, patriotism, and economic self-reliance.
In the global sphere, his administration would prioritize competition over cooperation, leading to intensified rivalries with China, Russia, and the European Union while seeking influence in emerging regions like Africa and Latin America.
Trump’s Governance Philosophy
Donald Trump’s political philosophy is grounded in Realism, a focus on national interest, power dynamics, and pragmatism over ideology. During his first term (2017–2021), he prioritized:
• Economic growth via deregulation and tax reforms.
• America First policies, withdrawing from international agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Climate Accord.
• Challenging globalization, advocating for economic nationalism and trade renegotiations.
Oligarchic Characteristics
While his rhetoric often portrays him as a populist champion of the “forgotten American,” Trump’s leadership aligns with oligarchic governance traits:
• Elitist networks: Reliance on loyalists, business leaders, and family members to shape policy.
• Wealth consolidation: Policies benefiting large corporations and wealthy individuals under the guise of trickle-down economics.
Realist-Capitalist Outlook
Trump’s capitalist realism emphasizes competition and dominance, especially in global markets. His focus is on securing American hegemony through economic growth, energy independence, and technological innovation.
• National Interest Above All: His emphasis on U.S. economic and military dominance, renegotiating trade deals, and withdrawing from multilateral agreements to prioritize American benefits reflects realist pragmatism.
• Transactional Diplomacy: Trump’s approach to alliances and global relationships (e.g., NATO, EU, or bilateral negotiations) often treated foreign policy as a series of transactions where the U.S. demanded greater returns.
• Skepticism of Global Institutions: Realists are wary of international organizations, and Trump’s criticism of the UN, WTO, and other institutions fits this perspective.
• Military and Economic Power: His focus on strengthening U.S. military capabilities, pressuring allies to contribute more, and confronting rivals like China aligns with a power-centric worldview.
However, his personal style sometimes diverges from traditional realism, incorporating populist and identity-driven narratives, which are less characteristic of classical realism, but not any means in alignment with liberal idealism.
Challenges in Achieving the America First Agenda
Trump’s “America First” agenda faces significant hurdles, especially considering current global dynamics and the complexities of key issues:
1. Panama Canal
• Context: China’s growing influence over critical global infrastructure, including investments near the Panama Canal, raises strategic concerns for the U.S.
• Challenges:
• Confronting China’s economic foothold requires significant investments and influence-building, but unilateral strategies might alienate Latin American partners.
• The U.S. must counter Chinese investments diplomatically while avoiding escalation into broader tensions.
• Realist Outlook: Trump could push for greater U.S. economic and military presence in the region, leveraging security partnerships and financial incentives to counterbalance China’s influence.
2. Greenland and Denmark
• Context: Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark in 2019 was part of a broader strategy to secure Arctic resources and counter China and Russia in the region.
• Challenges:
• Denmark and Greenland strongly opposed the idea, which strained U.S.-Danish relations.
• Arctic geopolitics is increasingly competitive, with Russia militarizing the region and China investing strategically.
• Realist Outlook: A more pragmatic approach might involve negotiating increased U.S. military access to Greenland and collaborating with NATO allies to secure Arctic dominance without provoking backlash.
3. China
• Context: Trump views China as the primary rival to U.S. global supremacy, targeting its trade practices, intellectual property theft, and military expansion.
• Challenges:
• The U.S.-China rivalry is deeply entrenched, with Beijing responding to U.S. tariffs and sanctions by forging stronger ties with Russia and the Global South.
• A full-scale decoupling of the two economies risks global economic instability.
• Realist Outlook: Trump’s America First agenda would likely continue trade wars, military deterrence in the Pacific, and alliances like AUKUS, but success would depend on balancing hardline tactics with opportunities for strategic cooperation.
4. Russia-Ukraine Conflict
• Context: Trump’s approach to Russia has been controversial, often emphasizing diplomacy with Vladimir Putin while remaining skeptical of NATO’s role in Ukraine.
• Challenges:
• Balancing U.S. support for Ukraine with skepticism about long-term NATO commitments poses a dilemma.
• A realist policy might involve pressuring both sides for negotiations to end the war, but that risks alienating European allies.
• Realist Outlook: Trump could seek a pragmatic resolution to the conflict, focusing on U.S. economic and security interests while avoiding prolonged commitments to European defense.
5. NATO/EU
• Context: Trump has criticized NATO allies for not contributing enough to collective defense and questioned the value of the EU as a U.S. partner.
• Challenges:
• While pushing allies to increase military spending aligns with realist principles, undermining NATO risks weakening U.S. influence in Europe.
• The EU’s economic power makes it a critical partner in countering China and Russia.
• Realist Outlook: Trump could pursue a transactional strategy with NATO and the EU, focusing on burden-sharing while maintaining U.S. leadership in European security.
6. Hamas Hostage Release and the Middle East Conflict
• Context: The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict remains a central geopolitical issue, with the recent focus on Hamas hostage-taking adding urgency.
• Challenges:
• Balancing unwavering support for Israel with broader U.S. interests in the Arab world is delicate.
• Trump’s Abraham Accords improved ties between Israel and Arab states, but renewed violence complicates normalization efforts.
• Realist Outlook: Trump could leverage his Abraham Accords legacy to mediate broader Middle East agreements while prioritizing U.S. strategic goals, such as curbing Iran’s influence.
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on January 20, 2025, would likely signal significant shifts in both domestic and international affairs, potentially contributing to an emerging new world order. This new order could be shaped by Trump’s “America First” policies, his realist approach to geopolitics, and the changing dynamics of global power.
Key Features of a Trump Presidency Post-Inauguration
1. A Shift Toward a Multipolar World
• Trump’s presidency is likely to accelerate the transition from a U.S.-dominated unipolar world to a multipolar world order, driven by several factors:
• Reduced Global Engagement: Trump’s preference for bilateralism and transactional diplomacy could weaken multilateral institutions like NATO, the EU, and the UN.
• Rival Powers: China and Russia may exploit reduced U.S. global engagement to expand their influence, especially in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
2. The “America First” Doctrine
• Trump will likely double down on policies prioritizing U.S. sovereignty, economic independence, and military strength:
• Economic Protectionism: Policies aimed at reshoring manufacturing, renegotiating trade deals, and imposing tariffs could create economic friction with traditional allies and rivals alike.
• Energy Dominance: A renewed emphasis on U.S. fossil fuel production could disrupt global energy markets, especially amid the global push for renewable energy.
3. Realist Geopolitics
• Trump’s foreign policy is expected to reflect a realist framework, emphasizing national interest, power politics, and skepticism of alliances:
• China: Expect an intensification of the U.S.-China rivalry, with Trump expanding tariffs, targeting Chinese tech companies, and increasing U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Russia: Trump’s approach to Russia remains uncertain, but he may push for limited cooperation while focusing on reducing U.S. commitments to European security.
• Middle East: Trump could reassert U.S. support for Israel while pursuing transactional relationships with Arab states, potentially sidelining broader peace efforts.
4. Retreat from Multilateralism
• Trump’s distrust of global institutions is likely to deepen, with potential withdrawal or reduced U.S. contributions to:
• NATO: Demanding greater financial commitments from allies and focusing on U.S. interests.
• United Nations: Criticizing the UN’s role in global governance and scaling back U.S. funding.
• Climate Agreements: Trump may pull the U.S. further away from global climate initiatives, emphasizing energy independence instead.
Domestic Policy and Its Global Implications
1. Economic Nationalism
• Reshoring Jobs: Efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. could disrupt global supply chains and impact emerging markets.
• Trade Conflicts: Protectionist measures could lead to renewed trade wars, particularly with China and the EU.
2. Immigration and Border Security
• Trump’s hardline immigration policies could strain relations with neighboring countries, especially Mexico and Central American nations.
3. Political Polarization
• Domestically, Trump’s return could exacerbate divisions within the U.S., potentially weakening America’s global standing as a model of democratic governance.
Key Areas of Focus for the Emerging New World Order
1. U.S.-China Rivalry
• Trump’s policies are likely to sharpen the divide between the U.S. and China, framing the world around a bipolar competition:
• Trade restrictions, military deterrence in the South China Sea, and alliances like AUKUS and the Quad will be central to countering China’s rise.
• Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia will become key battlegrounds for influence.
2. A More Assertive Global South
• Countries in the Global South, including India, Brazil, and African nations, are increasingly asserting their autonomy in global affairs:
• Reduced U.S. engagement under Trump could provide opportunities for these nations to shape a more decentralized world order.
3. Energy and Resource Wars
• Trump’s focus on U.S. energy dominance could escalate resource competition globally:
• Middle Eastern and African nations could face greater U.S. involvement in energy production and trade agreements.
• The pushback against renewable energy initiatives may create friction with allies like the EU.
4. Regional Realignments
• Europe: NATO may face internal challenges as Trump pressures European allies to bear more financial responsibility for their defense.
• Africa: U.S. engagement in Africa could shift, with Trump emphasizing competition with China and Russia rather than long-term development partnerships.
• Middle East: Trump’s staunch support for Israel and the Abraham Accords will shape U.S. strategy, with Iran remaining a key adversary.
Implications for African Nations
• Increased Competition for Influence: African countries could benefit from a multipolar world by leveraging U.S., Chinese, and Russian competition to secure better trade and investment deals.
• Security Partnerships: Counterterrorism initiatives in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa may see renewed U.S. focus but with reduced troop commitments.
• Trade and Investment: Trump’s policies could prioritize private sector-led investments under initiatives like Prosper Africa.
Possibility of a President Trump Visit to Africa During this Second Term in Office.
Donald Trump second term, there is likelihood of him visiting Africa, especially Nigeria, the largest economy and most populous country on the continent, would depend on several factors, including U.S. strategic interests, diplomatic priorities, and Trump’s personal style of engagement.
While no sitting U.S. president has visited Nigeria in over 30 years (since President Jimmy Carter in 1978), a visit by Trump could be possible given the increasing importance of Africa in global geopolitics and economics. Here’s an analysis of the likelihood and factors that could influence such a visit:
Factors Supporting a Potential Visit
1. Nigeria’s Geopolitical and Economic Importance
• Economic Powerhouse: Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, a leading oil producer, and a hub for investment opportunities in energy, tech, and infrastructure.
• Regional Influence: As a key player in West Africa, Nigeria is central to combating regional insecurity, such as the fight against Boko Haram, and plays a significant role in African Union initiatives.
• Strategic Interests: Nigeria’s leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its rapidly growing consumer market are attractive for U.S. trade and investment.
2. Great Power Competition in Africa
• With China’s and Russia’s growing influence on the continent, Trump’s administration might seek to counterbalance their presence. Visiting Africa, particularly a major player like Nigeria, could signal U.S. commitment to deeper engagement.
• Nigeria’s economic and demographic significance positions it as a key partner in any U.S. strategy to challenge Chinese Belt and Road Initiative projects in Africa.
3. Repairing Relationships
• During Trump’s first term, controversial remarks about African nations caused friction with many African leaders. A high-profile visit to Nigeria or another major African country could serve as an opportunity to reset relations and rebuild goodwill.
• Given the long gap since a U.S. president last visited Nigeria, such a visit would hold significant symbolic importance.
4. Personal and Transactional Diplomacy
• Trump’s style of diplomacy often emphasizes high-visibility events that showcase deal-making and partnership-building. Visiting Africa could align with this approach if tied to trade agreements or security partnerships.
Challenges to a Potential Visit
1. Limited Focus on Africa
• Historically, Africa has not been a top priority for Trump. During his first term, he rarely engaged directly with African leaders, and no Africa-focused summits or major initiatives (beyond Prosper Africa) were launched.
• If his second-term agenda focuses more on U.S.-China competition, domestic issues, or Middle East conflicts, Africa may remain a secondary priority.
2. Security Concerns
• Nigeria faces significant security challenges, including terrorism (e.g., Boko Haram), banditry, and separatist tensions. A U.S. presidential visit requires extensive security arrangements, which could complicate planning.
• Trump’s focus on optics might deter him from visiting regions perceived as unstable.
3. Preference for Bilateral Relationships
• Trump’s preference for transactional, bilateral relationships could mean a visit to a specific ally (like Nigeria) rather than a broader engagement with African regional organizations, potentially reducing diplomatic impact.
4. Potential Controversies
• Trump’s rhetoric or actions during a visit could risk alienating audiences, given his controversial remarks about Africa in the past. This might make a visit politically sensitive unless carefully managed.
What a Trump Visit to Nigeria Could Achieve
A visit to Nigeria would likely center on the following themes:
• Economic Partnerships: Announcing U.S. investments in Nigerian energy, infrastructure, or technology sectors.
• Trade Agreements: Strengthening ties under the Prosper Africa initiative and countering Chinese influence.
• Security Cooperation: Highlighting U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity, potentially expanding military and intelligence cooperation.
• Youth and Innovation: Engaging with Nigeria’s vibrant youth population and tech sector, showcasing U.S. interest in Africa’s future.
Precedent and Comparison
• Barack Obama: Despite high expectations, Obama never visited Nigeria during his presidency, focusing instead on Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.
• George W. Bush and Bill Clinton: Both presidents visited Africa but avoided Nigeria due to logistical and security concerns.
• Jimmy Carter: The last sitting U.S. president to visit Nigeria, in 1978, highlighted the country’s importance in U.S.-Africa relations.
A Trump visit to Nigeria would thus break this longstanding trend and signal renewed interest in deepening U.S.-Nigeria ties.
Conclusion:
A New World Order Under Trump.
Donald Trump’s realist inclinations align with his America First agenda, focusing on national sovereignty, economic dominance, and military strength. However, the interconnected nature of global issues, such as China’s influence, Russia’s aggression, and the Middle East’s instability, presents challenges that require balancing unilateral actions with strategic alliances. While Trump’s rhetoric often simplifies these complexities, achieving his goals will depend on navigating the trade-offs between isolationist tendencies and the need for multilateral cooperation in a realist framework.
Donald Trump’s second term could accelerate the reconfiguration of global power structures, leading to a more fragmented and multipolar world. His America First agenda, focus on bilateralism, and realist approach to geopolitics will reshape U.S. foreign policy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for global actors. African nations, the Global South, and emerging powers will likely play a larger role in defining this new world order, while U.S. allies and rivals adjust to Trump’s unpredictable leadership style.
Ultimately, the extent to which Trump influences the emerging world order will depend on his ability to balance domestic priorities with strategic global engagements.
The possibility of Trump visiting Nigeria or another major African country in a second term is real but uncertain. It would require a significant shift in Trump’s priorities toward greater engagement with Africa. If Nigeria can demonstrate alignment with U.S. strategic interests, such as trade, security, and countering China,a visit becomes more plausible. However, Trump’s unpredictable diplomatic style and past neglect of Africa suggest that such a visit would only occur if tied to tangible U.S. interests and high-visibility achievements.
