The Economist: "America’s bullied allies need to toughen up"

For decades America has stood by its friends and deterred its enemies.  That steadfastness is being thrown upside down, as Donald Trump strong-arms allies and seeks deals with adversaries.  After freezing all aid to Ukraine on March 3rd, his administration restored it when Ukraine agreed in principle to a 30-day truce.  It is unclear how hard the White House will press Vladimir Putin to accept this.  On the same day, Mr Trump briefly slammed even more tariffs on Canada.  Its new prime minister, Mark Carney, warned that a predatory America wants “our water, our land, our country.”  And don’t forget Asia.  The president has just raised doubts about the value to America of the US-Japan defence treaty, which Eisenhower signed in 1960.  Around the world, allies fear that America First means they come second, third or even last. 

Mr Trump and his supporters believe his frenetic actions enhance American power, breaking deadlocks and shaking up deadbeat or parasitic allies.  The proposed ceasefire in Ukraine is evidence that he can change countries’ behaviour.  But at what cost?  His trade war is panicking financial markets.  The 40-odd countries that have put their security in America’s hands since 1945 are suffering a crisis of confidence.  They dread Team Trump’s inconsistency and short-termism: a ceasefire in Gaza that is rather like the Ukrainian one may soon collapse.  At home, Mr Trump faces checks and balances.  Abroad, much less so.  Allies are asking whether they are certain that Mr Trump or a President J.D. Vance would fight alongside them if the worst happens.  Unfortunately, the answer is: not certain enough. 

~ "America’s bullied allies need to toughen up: To avoid being crushed, they need a better plan than flattery and concessions," The Economist, March 15, 2025