President Trump's Leadership and Its Potential to Accelerate Global Peace

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in a decisive landslide, has been widely regarded as a game-changer for American politics and foreign policy. As the only U.S. president in the past three decades who did not initiate a war, Trump’s leadership style has led to the formation of key diplomatic milestones, most notably the Abraham Accords, which transformed the Middle East and earned him recognition for his unconventional approach to global peace. With his return to the White House, Trump’s leadership could further accelerate global peace in various ways, capitalizing on his non-interventionist instincts, commitment to reducing U.S. military entanglements, and strategic diplomacy.

The Abraham Accords: A Historic Peace Achievement

One of Trump’s signature accomplishments during his first term was the creation of the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The Abraham Accords marked a historic breakthrough in the Middle East, where Arab-Israeli relations had been strained for decades. Under the Trump administration, these countries agreed to establish formal ties with Israel, which included opening embassies, increasing trade, and boosting security cooperation.

The Accords were hailed as a monumental achievement, as they represented the first significant Arab-Israeli peace deals since the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Trump’s role in bringing about these agreements was unprecedented, as no other U.S. president had been able to broker such broad and successful peace deals in the region. His leadership in orchestrating these historic agreements showcased his ability to think outside the traditional diplomatic box, using economic incentives, personalized diplomacy, and a focus on regional security interests to drive progress.

If Trump’s second term builds upon the foundation of the Abraham Accords, the region could see further normalization of relations between Israel and additional Arab states, perhaps even including Saudi Arabia. This could lead to greater stability in the Middle East, reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering economic growth and cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Reducing U.S. Military Involvement: A Path to Global De-escalation

Another hallmark of Trump’s foreign policy was his desire to limit the U.S. military's role in overseas conflicts. Unlike many of his predecessors, Trump was reluctant to engage in military interventions, especially in the Middle East. His decision to pull U.S. forces out of Syria in 2019, followed by the controversial but significant agreement with the Taliban to withdraw from Afghanistan, was a reflection of his broader "America First" philosophy: to reduce U.S. military entanglements abroad and avoid “endless wars.”

Trump’s instinct to avoid military conflict and prioritize diplomacy could have a lasting impact on global peace. His administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, in particular, was framed as an effort to bring an end to a war that had dragged on for nearly two decades. While the execution of the withdrawal was criticized for its chaotic nature, the decision underscored Trump’s commitment to bringing U.S. forces home, a stance that resonated with many Americans weary of long-standing military engagements.

In a second term, Trump is likely to continue his push for reducing U.S. military interventions. This could lead to a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward more diplomatic and non-military solutions to conflicts. With less direct U.S. involvement, regional powers might be encouraged to take on a larger role in resolving conflicts, thus promoting a more balanced, multipolar world order. Reducing military engagements would also lessen the risk of U.S. entanglement in new wars, thereby contributing to a broader global de-escalation.

Diplomacy with Adversaries: Direct Engagement for Peace

Trump’s leadership was also characterized by his willingness to engage with adversarial powers directly. His historic summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018 and 2019 broke with decades of U.S. policy, which had typically sought to isolate North Korea through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Trump’s decision to meet with Kim in a series of high-profile, face-to-face talks symbolized his belief that direct diplomacy—rather than traditional negotiations through intermediaries or multilateral bodies—could lead to breakthroughs, even with difficult regimes.

While the North Korea denuclearization talks ultimately stalled, Trump’s willingness to engage in direct diplomacy with such a controversial leader was a testament to his belief that peace could be achieved through dialogue, not just pressure. Similarly, Trump’s trade negotiations with China, despite their challenges, showed his preference for direct engagement over confrontation. His administration negotiated several trade agreements, including the Phase One trade deal, which aimed to reduce tensions between the U.S. and China.

In a second term, Trump could continue his policy of direct diplomacy with global powers like China and Russia. By bypassing traditional diplomatic structures, he could potentially foster a new era of negotiations where direct engagement is prioritized over multilateral talks or sanctions. This could open the door for innovative solutions to long-standing geopolitical challenges.

Economic Diplomacy: A Tool for Peace

Trump has consistently used economic leverage as a tool for advancing his foreign policy goals, believing that trade deals and economic incentives can foster peaceful relations between countries. His renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and his trade war with China were emblematic of his belief that economic interests could drive diplomatic outcomes.

Economic diplomacy has the potential to be a powerful force for global peace. By encouraging international cooperation on trade, infrastructure development, and technological exchange, Trump’s second term could see increased global interdependence, reducing the likelihood of conflict. Countries that are economically connected are less likely to go to war, as the cost of conflict becomes too high. In this regard, Trump’s economic approach could lead to more peaceful relations between major global powers.

Conclusion: Trump’s Leadership and the Path to Global Peace

Donald Trump’s leadership, while unconventional, has already demonstrated the potential to shift global diplomacy toward greater peace and stability. His administration brokered the historic Abraham Accords, brought an end to U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan, and emphasized direct, pragmatic diplomacy over conflict. With a second term in office, Trump’s emphasis on diplomacy, economic cooperation, and military restraint could accelerate the path toward global peace.

By continuing to focus on reducing military interventions, promoting regional security partnerships, and engaging in direct diplomacy with adversaries, Trump has the potential to create a more stable and peaceful world order. His non-interventionist policies, combined with his willingness to engage in groundbreaking negotiations, could redefine how the U.S. interacts with the world and lead to a more cooperative international system. Whether dealing with North Korea, Russia, or Iran, Trump’s leadership could foster the type of diplomacy that accelerates global peace, proving that strength and strategic engagement are not mutually exclusive.