Is there a Trump New World Order

Has U.S. Foreign Policy Shifted Toward Open Imperialism?

In early January 2026, the Trump administration carried out a dramatic military operation in Venezuela that shocked the world: U.S. forces bombed targets on Venezuelan soil, seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and brought them to the United States to face federal indictments. WOLA

This unprecedented action, a direct military strike against a sovereign nation’s capital, has revived fierce debate about the nature and direction of American global power, with critics warning that it marks a return to old-school imperialism rather than post-Cold War diplomacy. Axios

Supporters’ View: A Law-and-Order Internationalism

Supporters of the operation argue that the Maduro government’s long record of corruption, human rights abuses and narco-trafficking justified extraordinary measures. Trump officials framed the raid as the enforcement of longstanding U.S. law enforcement warrants against Maduro’s alleged crimes, rather than mere conquest. The American Council

To many in the U.S. and some right-leaning governments, this isn’t empire, it’s accountability for global criminals. They point out that historical U.S. interventions in the hemisphere have sometimes been welcomed by local regimes opposed to authoritarian rule. Vox

Critics’ View: A New Era of Gunboat Diplomacy

But the broader global reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Leaders from Brazil, Mexico, China, France and others have condemned the use of force without United Nations authorization as a violation of international law and sovereignty, warning it sets a dangerous precedent. TIME

Many analysts describe this episode as a return to the era of “gunboat diplomacy,” where military might dictates political outcomes, a stark contrast to the post-World War II emphasis on multilateralism and norms. ABC News

Some see Trump’s rhetoric, including suggestions that similar actions could be taken against other countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and even Greenland, as reminiscent of historical imperial behavior and the old Monroe Doctrine’s logic of hemispheric dominance. Straight Arrow News+1

The “Donroe Doctrine” and Great Power Competition

Commentators have even coined terms like the “Donroe Doctrine”, a Trump-era twist on the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine that asserts U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere  to describe this approach. TIME

Some experts argue it isn’t just about Latin America: the dramatic intervention signals a shift back toward great-power politics where control over resources (like Venezuela’s massive oil reserves) and strategic influence matter more than international law. The Guardian

This has prompted worries that similar logic could justify future U.S. military or political acts beyond the hemisphere, potentially reshaping global order along lines defined by the willingness to project force. The Times

What This Means for the World Order

1. Erosion of Established Norms
The U.S. action in Venezuela, unilateral, seemingly without clear legal backing from the United Nations or Congress has raised alarm about the weakening of international norms created after WWII to prevent exactly this sort of unilateral use of force. TIME

2. Polarized Global Reactions
While some U.S. allies and regional governments express hesitation or outright opposition, others see Maduro’s removal as a blow to an oppressive regime. This division highlights how differently countries view sovereignty, intervention, and regional stability. Axios

3. A New Geopolitical Framework?
If recent rhetoric is a guide, future Trump foreign policy may emphasize hard power and strategic dominance, not just sanctions and diplomacy, potentially reshaping U.S. engagement worldwide. TIME

Conclusion: Imperialism Revisited?

So, is there a “New Trump World Order”?
The answer at least for now is contested. If by imperialism you mean the projection of state power to control the political and economic outcomes of other nations, then many observers argue that the U.S. has crossed a new threshold with its Venezuela operation and ensuing threats. atlanticinsider.com

However, supporters insist this is about law enforcement and strategic necessity, not empire  underscoring, a deep divide over how American power is defined and justified in the 21st century. The American Council

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic 

America First nationalism, reduced international intervention, focus on bilateral deals, challenged alliances (like NATO), and reconfigured relationships with China and Russia, signaling a move away from traditional globalism towards transactional, relationship-based international dealings. 

Key Themes of This Concept:

• "America First": Prioritizing U.S. national interests over multilateral agreements and global institutions.
• Transactional Diplomacy: Emphasizing personal relationships and deals over established alliances.
• Reduced Interventionism: Pulling back from foreign conflicts and nation-building.
• Challenging Alliances: Questioning commitments to NATO and other long-standing partnerships.
• Trade Wars & Tariffs: Using economic leverage to reshape trade relationships, particularly with China. 

Origin & Usage:

• The term gained traction during and after his first presidency (2017-2021) and re-emerged with discussions around a potential second term.
• Journalists and commentators use it to describe the disruptive impact of Trump's "America First" approach on the existing world order. 

In essence, it's a label for a potential reshaping of global politics away from post-World War II liberal internationalism towards a more nationalistic, transactional, and unpredictable landscape. 

Finally, My Quote of the Day: 

“Far from making us more powerful, the pursuit of American dominance will make us weaker, eventually leaving us with no sphere, and no influence, at all,” Anne Applebaum argues: https://theatln.tc/sZC7K0uQ

Here are the top five news of the Day

Rising Geopolitical Tensions and U.S.–Europe Relations — French President Emmanuel Macron publicly criticized U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, saying the U.S. is distancing itself from traditional allies and undermining multilateral norms, as global strategic friction intensifies. The Guardian

Trump to Attend World Economic Forum in Davos — U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he will personally attend the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos with key administration officials, focusing on housing and economic initiatives in his address. Reuters

Post-Ceasefire Violence in Gaza — An 11-year-old girl was killed by gunfire in Gaza despite a ceasefire nearly three months after it took effect, underscoring continued insecurity and civilian harm. KPRC

Supreme Court Faces Huge Tariff Refund Case — Importers are preparing for a major legal battle over a potential $150 billion tariff refund fight if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against the legality of broad Trump-era global tariffs. Reuters

ICE Shooting and Broader National Issues — A controversial ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, broader debates over immigration enforcement, and other political and social policy issues were highlighted in key national briefing summaries. 

Vignettes from Philippines-American History

TWO PINOYS CHEERED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS

In 1986, President Cory Aquino gave a speech before a joint session of the United States Congress that drew more than 10 standing ovations, made House Speaker Tip O’Neill exclaim, “It was the finest speech I’ve heard in my 34 years in Congress!” and prompted the lawmakers to rush a vote to give the Philippines an additional $200 million in economic aid which was "the honorarium for an excellent speech" decided "by our hearts, not our heads."

In 1902, another Filipino's words similarly touched the hearts of the members of the US Congress—and he wasn't even there.

Henry A. Cooper, a Republican from Wisconsin and Chairman of the House Committee on Insular Affairs, took the floor of the US Congress to defend a bill that would create a Philippine legislature designed to put the colony on the road to independence.

That was the time when the American public knew nothing about their new colony and only imagined Filipinos to be black-skinned savages who lived in trees like monkeys.

Cooper had barely opened his mouth when congressmen started shouting him down. Determined to keep the Philippines a US colony, Republicans and Democrats stood one after another to interrupt Cooper.

“Mr. Chairman,” Cooper cried, “Think of their history! For three hundred hopeless years the Spaniards robbed these helpless people! For three hundred years they lived under a government which deliberately kept the masses in ignorance!”

“Yet, Mr. Chairman,” Cooper continued, “despite this deprivation, this race has given to the world not a few examples of intellectual and moral worth — men in the height of mind and power of character.”

“It’s been said that if American institutions had done nothing else than to furnish to the world the character of George Washington,” Cooper said, “that alone would entitle Americans to the respect of mankind. So, Mr. Chairman, I say to all those who denounce the Filipinos indiscriminately as barbarians and savages: this race has proven itself entitled to their respect and to the respect of mankind when it furnished to the world the character of Jose Rizal!”

Cooper briefly narrated the story of Rizal’s life and death and then read, with eloquence and feeling, an English translation of Rizal’s poem 'Mi Ultimo Adios.'

After the last lines “Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend that lightened my way/Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!” the entire US Congress sat in stunned silence, then broke into prolonged applause.

Cooper concluded, “Search the long and bloody roll of the world’s martyred dead. Where, on what soil, under what sky, did Tyranny ever claim a nobler victim?”

With that speech, the US Congress passed the bill into law which is now known as the Philippine Organic Act of 1902. It created the Philippine legislature, appointed two Filipino delegates to the US Congress, extended the US Bill of Rights to Filipinos, and laid the foundation for an autonomous government. The colony was on its way to independence.

The Americans also finally accepted their kinship with Filipinos after realizing that the bolo-wielding islander was not a savage but like them, a passionate defender of freedom and democracy.

(Reference: “Rizal in the American Congress” in Philippine Free Press, December 27, 1952 by Vicente Albano Pacis)

Did you know that the Philippine-American War (1899–1902) was one of the deadliest conflicts in Asian history, yet it is often downplayed in global textbooks?

While military deaths were significant, the civilian toll was catastrophic, with estimates ranging from 200,000 to over 1,000,000 lives lost.

The majority of these deaths resulted from famine, forced displacement in "reconcentration" camps, and a devastating cholera epidemic triggered by the chaos of war.

This demographic tragedy claimed a massive percentage of the total population, marking a somber chapter in the Filipino struggle for sovereignty.

Meanwhile, 

In 2019, scientists confirmed the existence of the Apolaki Caldera, now recognized as the largest known volcanic caldera on Earth, hidden deep beneath the Philippine Sea within the Benham Rise or Philippine Rise. The discovery was led by Filipino marine geophysicist Jenny Anne Barretto, together with an international research team that included Dr. Ray Wood and Dr. John Milsom. Using detailed geophysical and bathymetric data, the team identified the massive underwater structure, measuring approximately 150 kilometers in diameter, making it far larger than the Yellowstone Caldera in the United States. Their findings were later published in a peer reviewed scientific journal, marking a major milestone in marine geology and volcanology.

The caldera was named Apolaki, after the Filipino sun and war deity whose name translates to great lord or giant lord, symbolizing both its immense size and national significance. The discovery highlights the geological importance of the Benham Rise and reinforces the Philippines’ role in advancing Earth science research. Beyond national pride, Apolaki Caldera provides scientists with valuable insight into ancient volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and the formation of large igneous structures beneath the ocean floor. Its identification also underscores how much of Earth’s geology remains unexplored, particularly beneath the seas, where discoveries can reshape our understanding of the planet’s dynamic history.

Lastly,

Sitangkai: The Philippines’ Southernmost Municipality

Located in Tawi-Tawi, Sitangkai is the southernmost municipality of the Philippines and is often called the “Venice of the South.” Built entirely on stilts over saltwater, daily life here depends on bancas and pump boats instead of roads.

Just 1–2 hours by boat from Sabah, Malaysia, Sitangkai has strong cross-border ties, with about 80% of its goods sourced from Sabah. Surrounded by rich waters, it is also known as the Seaweed Capital of the Bangsamoro Region, with fishing and seaweed farming as key livelihoods.

The Global Economy in 2026

This posting is inspired from the latest Fareed Zakaria GPS TV Show. 

The Global Economy in 2026: Uncertainty, Opportunity, and the AI Question

On a recent Sunday episode of Fareed Zakaria GPS, Fareed sat down with Ruchir Sharma of Breakout Capital to look ahead at the global economy in 2026. Their conversation captured the uneasy mood of our time: cautious optimism tempered by deep uncertainty.

Two powerful forces framed the discussion rising tariffs and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence. Together, they are reshaping markets, national strategies, and investor psychology.

Tariffs and the Return of Economic Nationalism

One of Sharma’s central points was that tariffs are no longer a temporary negotiating tactic; they are becoming a permanent feature of the global economy. From the U.S. to China to Europe, governments are prioritizing domestic resilience over global efficiency.

This shift marks a clear departure from the free-trade consensus that defined much of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While tariffs may protect certain industries and jobs in the short term, they also inject uncertainty into supply chains, raise costs for consumers, and slow global growth.

For 2026, Sharma expects a world economy that is more fragmented, not collapsing, but less synchronized. Growth will likely continue, though unevenly, with emerging markets that manage debt well and avoid political instability outperforming those that do not.

AI: Productivity Boom or Investment Bubble?

Artificial intelligence dominated the more hopeful and more anxious part of the discussion. On one hand, Sharma acknowledged AI’s enormous potential to boost productivity, especially in fields like logistics, medicine, finance, and manufacturing. Over time, these gains could help offset aging populations and slowing labor growth in many countries.

But he also sounded a familiar warning: investors may be running ahead of reality.

The rush of capital into AI-related companies echoes past moments of technological exuberance, the dot-com era comes to mind. While AI will undoubtedly transform the economy, not every company labeled “AI-powered” will survive, and valuations may be getting ahead of proven profits.

In 2026, Sharma expects a sorting process: real innovators will separate from hype-driven ventures. Volatility, he suggests, is not a sign of failure but a natural part of technological revolutions.

A World Adjusting, Not Collapsing

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the conversation was its balance. This was not a forecast of doom, nor a promise of effortless growth. Instead, Sharma described a world economy learning to live with higher interest rates, geopolitical tension, and faster technological change.

The era of easy money is over. Discipline, adaptability, and long-term thinking will matter more than ever for governments, businesses, and investors alike.

A Personal Reflection

Watching this discussion, I was reminded that economic change is rarely neat or predictable. Having lived through multiple cycles postwar rebuilding, globalization, deregulation, and now re-fragmentation, I’ve learned that resilience often matters more than forecasts.

For younger generations, AI may feel like an overwhelming force. For older ones, tariffs and trade wars may feel like history repeating itself. Both perspectives are valid. What matters is remembering that economies are human creations, shaped by choices, values, and priorities,  not just numbers on a screen.

As we move into 2026, uncertainty may be the defining feature of the global economy. But uncertainty also creates space for wisdom, restraint, and renewal.

May we face the coming year with clear eyes, steady hands, and the patience that comes from experience.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on this topic 

While global growth is projected to slow slightly to approximately 3.1% (down from 3.2% in 2025), a massive AI-driven capital expenditure cycle is acting as a critical buffer, particularly for the U.S. and emerging Asian markets. 

Economic Outlook and Regional Trends

Major financial institutions project a resilient but cooling global environment as the effects of 2025's tariff shocks and policy shifts continue to manifest. 

• Global Growth: The IMF and OECD forecast a modest slowdown, with global real GDP growth expected between 2.9% and 3.1%.
• United States: Growth is projected to land between 1.5% and 2.3%. This is supported by an "AI tailwind" that may mask underlying economic softness in traditional sectors.
• China: Growth is expected to ease to roughly 4.4%–4.7% as fiscal stimulus fades and the 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes "new quality productive forces" like AI and quantum computing over raw expansion.
• Eurozone: Growth remains subdued, projected at 1.0%–1.2%, as the region faces higher trade frictions and limited AI investment compared to the U.S. and China. 

The "AI Question": Boom or Bubble?

2026 is viewed as the "year of AI reckoning," shifting from hype to real-world deployment. 

• The Capex Cycle: AI infrastructure spending has reached unprecedented levels, dwarfing the 1990s telecom boom. Just four tech giants—Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft—spent over $337 billion in 2025 alone, a trend continuing into 2026.
• Productivity vs. Earnings: Markets are debating whether AI will deliver a "non-inflationary boom" through productivity gains or if companies will fail to generate the earnings implied by current valuations.
• Bubble Concerns: While some warn of an "AI bubble" that could trigger a market correction if ROI remains mixed, most analysts believe valuations remain below 1990s dot-com levels. 

Emerging Opportunities and Risks

• Agentic AI: A major shift toward "agentic" systems—AI that can automate complex workflows rather than just answering questions—is expected to drive efficiency in finance, logistics, and scientific research.
• Quantum Breakthroughs: 2026 is anticipated as a turning point where quantum systems begin to outperform classical computers in narrow domains like drug discovery and financial optimization.
• Key Risks: Persistent inflation above 2% targets, "deeply disruptive" trade and tariff policies, and high global indebtedness remain the primary threats to stability. 
• Meanwhile, My photo of the Day- Clouds over Mt Fuji, Japan
• 

  Finally, here's the top five News of the Day:

   1. Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro captured by US and appears in New York court
  Maduro and his wife were brought before a federal court in New York, pleading not guilty in connection with charges following a U.S. operation in Venezuela. The dramatic international incident continues to spark global reactions. ABC News

  2. Global pushback against U.S. comments on Greenland sovereignty
  European leaders strongly rejected comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about a potential American takeover of Greenland, affirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future. Reuters

  3. U.S. government faces looming funding deadline and possible shutdown
  With current funding set to expire on January 30, lawmakers have roughly four weeks to pass remaining appropriations bills to avoid another federal government shutdown. The Washington Post

  4. Venezuelan oil shunned by China amid export constraints
  Chinese buyers passed on offers for Venezuelan crude this week as U.S. blockade measures tighten export constraints, impacting global energy markets. Bloomberg

  5. Global markets rally to start 2026
  World stock markets, including the UK’s FTSE 100, hit record highs as investors respond to optimism over monetary policy, corporate earnings, and continued AI-driven growth momentum. theguardian.com