Dr Bilawal Kamran
The Trump administration’s slogan to ‘Make America Great Again’ is now a well-known phrase, symbolizing the former president’s ambition to reshape America’s global image. However, in a twist of irony, the very efforts to ‘restore’ America’s greatness often appear to be the undoing of the values and global influence that had long been associated with the country. From alienating steadfast allies to undermining the global position the US had built in the post-World War II era, the Trump era seems to be marked by the disassembling of the very pillars of America’s international standing.
A major part of this reversal includes turning on longstanding international relations, with Trump’s administration choosing to insult American allies and openly berate them at international forums. Policies such as the ‘America First’ doctrine dismantled critical global initiatives, putting the US at odds with international markets and undermining decades of diplomatic achievements. At the same time, the administration seemed intent on fostering an environment of division by aligning itself with xenophobic, neo-Nazi, and Islamophobic ideologies—further fracturing the image of inclusivity and mutual respect America once championed.
One of the most worrying shifts under the Trump administration is the noticeable erosion of the US’s ‘soft power.’ USAID, which had been a key tool for the US in projecting goodwill and fostering development around the globe, saw significant cutbacks. These reductions in foreign aid seemed to reflect a growing disregard for America’s role in global diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. The emphasis on nationalism and self-interest made the idea of international cooperation increasingly unpopular, and the country’s image abroad began to suffer as a result.
This tendency to dismantle international frameworks and domestic progress has now extended to American universities, which have long been celebrated as some of the world’s best centers of higher learning. Trump’s administration, in a move that many see as an attempt to punish institutions promoting progressive and inclusive ideals, has focused on curbing the presence of foreign students. Through the State Department’s deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), the government is reportedly identifying and targeting individuals suspected of supporting ‘Hamas.’ This has sparked concern, as the term ‘Hamas supporter’ is often used in the right-wing and ultra-Zionist rhetoric to accuse anyone sympathetic to Palestinians, even if they are simply expressing opposition to Israeli policies.
This policy, which seeks to deport foreign students or prevent their reentry into the country, could have far-reaching consequences. A growing anti-Israel sentiment, particularly among younger generations in the US, complicates this initiative. Recent polls, such as those from Harvard and The Economist, show that a large portion of American youth are skeptical of the US government’s stance on Israel and Palestine. The younger generation, which constitutes a significant part of university populations, has shown strong support for Palestinian rights, with some even believing that a genocide is currently taking place in Palestine. As a result, this policy could further polarize the nation, aligning it more sharply along partisan lines, while alienating young students who are skeptical of Trump’s policies and his approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
What is even more concerning is that this move could discourage talented students from around the world from coming to study in the US, pushing them to seek education elsewhere. As a result, American universities may begin losing out on a wealth of international talent, and this intellectual capital could end up being harnessed by other countries. For students from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, which historically send large numbers of students to the US, the idea of being branded as ‘Hamas supporters’ could seem like a deterrent, potentially making countries with more open academic environments appear more attractive.
The consequences of such a policy are not limited to the immediate intellectual and cultural loss the US could face. Over time, this exclusionary approach to higher education could lead to a reduction in the diversity of perspectives within American society. With fewer international students bringing their ideas and innovations to US campuses, the country’s role as a global leader in thought, technology, and scientific research may begin to fade. Countries that once looked to the US as the center for groundbreaking research may start to form their own centers of innovation, potentially leading to the erosion of America’s intellectual hegemony.
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The impact of this policy could also be seen in the broader geopolitical context. In the wake of Trump’s presidency, many critics argue that the US is on the decline as a global superpower, with its policies leading to self-inflicted damage. Whether it’s withdrawing from key international agreements or reducing its global humanitarian efforts, the actions taken under Trump have often seemed to isolate America, pushing it away from the multilateralism that once defined its foreign policy. The current trajectory raises questions about America’s ability to maintain its leadership role in the global arena, with the rise of other nations like China and India posing challenges to its previously unquestioned dominance.
Moreover, the self-inflicted nature of this decline is striking. While foreign adversaries may have contributed to the changing global balance, much of the erosion of America’s status is a result of decisions made from within. Trump’s administration, through a combination of isolationist policies and divisive rhetoric, has worked actively to undo the goodwill that took decades to build. In many ways, the efforts to ‘Make America Great Again’ have paradoxically become the catalyst for its relative decline.
The irony of the situation lies in the fact that America’s greatness in the past was not solely based on military power or economic dominance, but on its ability to be a beacon of freedom, innovation, and intellectual exchange. The erosion of these values under Trump’s leadership has left many wondering if the US is on a path toward a diminished global role. The move to target foreign students, in particular, could accelerate this process, reducing America’s attractiveness as a hub for global talent and ideas.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s efforts to ‘Make America Great Again’ may have had an unintended consequence: the dismantling of the very factors that made America a great nation in the first place. By undermining international alliances, reducing the country’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts, and taking an exclusionary approach to higher education, the administration has created a self-inflicted decline that could have lasting implications for America’s place in the world. The rise of new global powers and the shifting dynamics of international influence suggest that the days of unquestioned American hegemony may be numbered, with the world witnessing the slow unraveling of an empire—one decision at a time.
