World Leaders Applaud Trump, Yet His Triumph Seems Poised to Stir Global Turbulence Once More

Captured on a screen in Seoul, South Korea, the image of Donald Trump, once again the Republican presidential nominee and former President, graced Wednesday’s news programs on November 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

LONDON (AP) — The voice of American voters resounded louder and clearer than anticipated by many experts. As the world waits, a cloud of unease gathers over Donald Trump’s re-election as President, stirring apprehensions among his allies about potential global instability.

With a commanding lead beyond the necessary 270 electoral votes on Wednesday, Trump’s triumph became clear. He wasted no time in his pre-declaration victory speech, pledging a “country-first” agenda and a “golden era” for the nation.

Trump’s first chapter as President bruised relationships with several long-time allies. Now, re-entering the political theater, the implications of his presidency on global trade, climatic shifts, and worldwide conflicts loom larger than life.

Trump is determined to reignite the tariff clash with China, America’s principal economic rival. In the Middle Eastern theater, Trump insists he will quash the strife between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, though without outlining specifics. Moreover, he claims, ambitiously but dubiously, to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a day of taking office, sparking concerns that any peace deal could lean heavily in Moscow’s favor.

Here’s the worldwide reaction:

NATO is notably jittery, while Ukraine watches with bated breath

NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Trump heartily, anticipating a revitalized partnership poised to foster peace via strength, particularly as global challenges mount. He acknowledged the increasing camaraderie among China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as significant challengers.

During Trump’s initial reign, his criticisms of the North Atlantic military alliance were notorious, lambasting member countries for not sharing the defense burden. Trump hinted that noncompliant NATO members might not find the U.S. in their corner come crunch time. He urges European nations to ramp up military expenditure, though skepticism about his commitment lingers among European leaders.

Rutte chose to highlight the upsides, crediting Trump for pressuring NATO allies to bolster their defense spending and applauding the alliance’s newfound stamina and unity.

For America’s allies, a daunting realization sets in: self-reliance might soon be non-negotiable.

“The existential question for Europeans hangs on Ukraine, European security, and America’s promise to NATO,” said Leslie Vinjamuri from Chatham House’s U.S. and Americas program. “Will America stand by Europe?”

As the chief benefactor of military aid to Kyiv amidst Russian aggression, the U.S. has faced mounting expectations from Zelenskyy. Echoing Rutte’s sentiments, Zelenskyy expressed optimism in Trump’s pledge of “peace through strength.”

“This approach surely heralds a just peace for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy posted online, awaiting tangible moves under Trump’s decisive helm.

Afterward, Zelenskyy celebrated Trump’s landmark victory on social media and promised ongoing cooperation between their nations.

Moscow, however, offered no felicitations, as President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson pronounced U.S.-Russia relations to be historically fractured.

Amid London’s bustle, Leicester Square’s screens flashed updates on America’s election day. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

European Congratulatory Messages: Unearthing Underlying Anxiety

Quick to extend congratulations, European leaders voiced support, even as Trump’s win was not officially cemented. Responses varied in enthusiasm.

U.K.’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the triumph as “historic,” reinforcing the bond between the nations grounded in shared principles of freedom.

Amid a strenuous diplomatic effort to connect with Trump, Starmer had met Trump previously at his tower in New York.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz struck diplomatic tones tempered with caution, foreseeing shifts under Trump’s reign.

Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, closely allied with Trump’s political ideology, anticipated strengthened transatlantic ties.

Despite individual differences, European leaders emphasize resilience of the transatlantic relationship, yet Trump’s protectionist tendencies raise alarm. His previous tariffs rattled Europe’s economy, fostering apprehension about repeated economic skirmishes.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen noted the integral U.S.-EU partnership, championing unity of their 800 million citizens.

Trump’s victory shook hands with European populists, mirroring their ambitions of sovereignty.

“Despite extraordinary obstacles, he won,” exclaimed Hungary’s nationalist Viktor Orbán, poised to host a summit for dozens of European leaders.

Middle Eastern Melange: Trump’s Next Moves Awaited

Trump’s first presidency attempted to reframe the Middle East, seeking peaceful pacts between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Now, attention sharpens on his next acts in the powder keg arenas of Gaza and Lebanon, with Iran lurking as a key antagonist.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu heralded Trump’s success online, declaring it a monumental come-back, insisting on a reinvigorated alliance.

Although allied previously, Netanyahu faced Trump’s ire post-2020, fueling tensions within Israel’s political landscape, notably after dismissing a popular defense minister, sparking mass protests.

Hamas’s statement remained cautious, hinting at judgment reserved based on Trump’s forthcoming policies toward their cause.

In Washington’s bid for a Gaza ceasefire, Egypt emerges as a pivotal liaison. President el-Sissi, having shared cordial ties with Trump before, expresses hope for joint stability efforts in the region.

As China’s dominance poses ongoing challenges

Xi Jinping, China’s head honcho, urged mutual harmony and collaboration with Trump but analysts anticipate intensified tariff showdowns and tensions over Taiwan under this reinvigorated administration.

“Not entirely grim, but challenges outnumber prospects,” reflected Da Wei of Tsinghua University, expressing uncertainty over potential U.S.-China synergies.

Engulfed by territorial drama in the South China Sea, Asian leaders viewed Trump’s return with mixed feelings. Nations facing China’s ascendancy and North Korea’s nuclear “antics” vouched for better ties with Washington.

Eager for heightened cooperation were Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba and South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol, anticipating fortified alliances under Trump’s reign.

However, Professor Phillips O’Brien warns that America’s Indo-Pacific allies, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, may need to reconsider U.S. defense reliability in the region.

Americas’ Reaction: Anticipating Trump’s Foreshadowed Policy Shifts

Across the American hemisphere, neighboring leaders wary from Trump’s previous protectionist maneuvers brace for possible turbulence.

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, consoles citizens, despite Trump’s past threats of tariffs should Mexico fail to curb illegal migrations and trade imbalances.

Canada’s Leader, Justin Trudeau, assuredly anticipates shared prosperity with their southern ally, sidestepping past bumpy exchanges with Trump.

Despite recent endorsements, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva acknowledged Trump’s triumph, iterating democracy’s sacred voice.

Writer credits to Associated Press’ worldwide team furnished this narrative with multilateral perspectives.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring