WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s unconventional approach to international relations reached new heights this week as his personal reactions to foreign leaders triggered dramatic policy shifts and diplomatic confrontations. The president’s mercurial temperament has become the central driver of U.S. foreign policy, fundamentally challenging the post-World War II international order.
In a series of consequential moves, Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to join his Board of Peace initiative following what he perceived as Canada’s increasingly assertive posture toward the United States. The organization, initially formed to maintain the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, has expanded into a potential rival to the United Nations, drawing skepticism from Western allies.
During his appearance at the World Economic Forum, Trump demonstrated his transactional approach by threatening tariffs against Switzerland after its leader allegedly “rubbed me the wrong way” during a phone conversation. Although he ultimately lowered the proposed tariffs, the incident highlighted how personal chemistry influences his economic decisions. Similarly, the president pressured Denmark to acquiesce to U.S. ambitions regarding Greenland with a stark ultimatum: “say yes and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember.”
This pattern of behavior reflects Trump’s deliberate effort to dismantle the rules-based international system that has governed Western diplomacy for decades. His supporters view this approach as a necessary correction to what they consider an inefficient system overly focused on compromise. However, critics argue that replacing established norms with a personality-driven framework creates dangerous instability.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, returning from Davos, reported hearing concerns about a “new world order” among international leaders. She noted that traditional allies now question American reliability, with nations considering alternative partnerships due to uncertainty about U.S. intentions.
The administration’s maximalist strategy, described by former adviser Steve Bannon as continuing “until you meet resistance,” has encountered little opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress. However, foreign leaders are increasingly vocal in their pushback.
Prime Minister Carney has emerged as a leading voice for middle powers seeking to counter American unpredictability. Speaking before Trump in Davos, Carney advocated for collective action among secondary nations, stating, “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” He proposed creating a “third path” based on legitimacy, integrity, and rules—a vision that drew Trump’s ire and prompted threats against Canada.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s recent comments questioning NATO’s mutual defense commitments as “insulting and frankly appalling.” The criticism came despite NATO’s Article 5 being invoked only once—in defense of the United States following the 9/11 attacks.
Analysts worry that Trump’s tactics may cause lasting damage to American global standing while encouraging nations to strengthen ties with China. Former Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan observed that Chinese leadership views Trump’s conflicts with allies as beneficial to Beijing’s interests.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, who participated in a bipartisan delegation to Denmark, noted that Trump appears to respect only those nations that demonstrate toughness and resilience, while treating accommodating partners with disregard.
The president’s personal diplomacy has created a fundamental shift in how the United States engages with the world, replacing established protocols with a system where flattery, personal animus, and immediate gratification drive international decision-making.