Introduction
The United States, under a protectionist and isolationist stance, prioritizes its military power while withdrawing from around 40 international agreements. This narrative has led to internal protests, strained international relations, and questioned accords such as the T-MEC, impacting both Latin America and North America.
US Military Focus and International Withdrawal
The US maintains 800 military bases in 75 countries, with a military expenditure three times that of China and twenty times greater than other major nations combined. This emphasis on military power has resulted in threats and interventions in various countries, isolating the US through protectionist policies.
Impact on Internal Affairs
Under the Trump administration, the US population has been unsettled by executive orders affecting workers’ rights, freezing research, education, social assistance, and foreign aid programs. This has sparked widespread protests against the government.
- Social Response: Large-scale protests have emerged, with growing concerns among the middle class accustomed to stability and increased conviction among lower classes that democracy is merely a facade for plutocracy.
- Public Perception: A majority of citizens believe that life today is worse than 50 years ago and will only worsen, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
Strained International Relations
Henry Kissinger’s observation, “To be an enemy of the US is dangerous; to be a friend is fatal,” has been exemplified by the US imposing tariffs on both allies and adversaries. For instance, when Trump considered invading Greenland, eight European countries deployed military forces to defend Greenland and Denmark. The White House threatened tariffs on European countries, prompting responses from the EU and NATO.
EU Response: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, stated, “Together we stand firm in our commitment to defend the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.”
NATO Advice: Former NATO Secretary-General Fogh Rasmussen advised, “We should stop praising Trump.”
Impact on Latin America and North America
In Latin America, countries like El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Chile (with José Antonio Kast) along with Honduras (under Jimmy Duarte) support Trump’s policies, fueling his narcissism.
In North America, the T-MEC’s future remains uncertain. Canada seeks alternative markets, while Mexico views the relationship as crucial. Trump questions its necessity, warning of a challenging path ahead.
