Summary of NPR’s Consider This Episode: "How Trump's Foreign Policy is Reshaping the World Order"

Release Date: March 4, 2025

In this episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the profound impact of former President Donald Trump's foreign policy on the existing global order. Through insightful discussions with experts and notable quotes, the episode unpacks the complexities of U.S. alliances, Russia's strategic maneuvers, and the shifting dynamics in international relations.

1. Vladimir Putin’s Strategic Long Game

[00:00] Ari Shapiro opens the discussion by highlighting Vladimir Putin's extended tenure as Russia's president, emphasizing his ability to "play the long game."

[00:08] Nina Krushcheva, a Professor of International Affairs at the New School and great granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, elaborates on Putin's patience:
"He waits. He's very carefully waiting for things to break down."

This strategic patience is underscored by recent events where Putin anticipated and facilitated disruptions within Western alliances.

2. Tensions Between the U.S. and Ukraine

The episode recounts a pivotal Oval Office meeting involving [00:28] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, [00:29] President Donald Trump, and [00:29] Vice President J.D. Vance. Zelensky asserts the critical nature of U.S. military support:
"If you didn't have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks. In three days. I heard it from Putin. In three days." [00:36]

[01:07] Ari Shapiro explains that Zelensky's visit aimed to secure security guarantees through a mineral rights deal with the U.S., which fell apart following Trump's unexpected comments, leading to a pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

3. U.S.-EU Relations Under Strain

During the same period, tensions extended beyond Ukraine. At [01:42], Zelensky critically remarks on the European Union:
"The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That's the purpose of it. And they've done a good job of it. But now I'm president." [01:50]

In response, [01:50] Ari Shapiro notes Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on EU imports, positioning these actions as efforts to realign foreign policy with American interests. However, this move has sown discord among U.S. allies, which [02:15] Nina Krushcheva observes:
"It does seem that it's a great dream of any KGB operative to see the west unraveling this way without even having to lift a finger in this particular moment."

4. The Decline of the U.S.-Led World Order

[04:03] Ari Shapiro transitions to broader geopolitical implications, questioning the sustainability of the U.S.-led order that has dominated global politics for decades.

[05:30] Donald Trump argues that while encouraging allies to take more responsibility for global security is strategic, the abruptness of this shift poses significant risks:
"This is much more of a switch than a dial. And the danger is that you have opportunities where adversaries see the reason to attack." [05:30]

He contends that without robust U.S. support, European defenses remain insufficient to deter Russian aggression, potentially prolonging conflict in Ukraine.

5. Potential Consequences of U.S. Withdrawal

[06:15] Ari Shapiro probes whether Europe can independently secure peace without U.S. leadership. [06:21] Donald Trump responds skeptically:
"The Europeans can only do so much. They don't have the defense industries, they don't have the large inventories to transfer." [06:21]

Trump warns that reduced U.S. involvement may embolden Russia to make further advances in Ukraine, diminishing incentives for Putin to negotiate a ceasefire.

6. Redefining Allies and Adversaries

At [08:15] Ari Shapiro raises questions about the current state of U.S. alliances since the end of World War II. [08:41] Donald Trump bluntly assesses the situation:
"To put it bluntly, the post war order is on life support." [08:41]

He expresses concern over the dismantling of established alliances without presenting a viable replacement, fearing a descent into a more fragmented and conflict-prone world.

Trump further explains the shifting perception of allies:
"Allies have lost under this administration their special place. The fact that they are dependent on us for security... in many ways has become something of a liability." [10:22]

This shift encourages allies to seek alternative partnerships and bolster their own defenses, potentially leading to increased global instability.

7. The Future of Global Order Post-Trump

[11:20] Donald Trump reflects on the administration's departure from traditional conservative policies, describing it as "far more radical" and highlighting the lack of a structured replacement for the existing global order:
"It seems to be a world, if you will, without structure, without permanent relationships." [11:20]

He emphasizes the risks associated with this unstructured approach, predicting a world characterized by greater disorder and increased opportunities for adversarial actions by nations like China and Russia.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a sobering analysis of how Trump's foreign policy decisions are destabilizing long-standing international alliances and potentially paving the way for increased global conflict. By challenging the U.S.-led order without offering substantial alternatives, Trump's administration has introduced significant uncertainty into the realm of international relations, with far-reaching implications for global peace and stability.

Key Takeaways:

• Putin's Long-Term Strategy: Russia is capitalizing on internal divisions within the West, patiently waiting for alliances to weaken.

• U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Trump's pause on military aid has critical implications for Ukraine's ability to negotiate from a position of strength.

• Strained Alliances: U.S. tariffs and shifting foreign policies are eroding trust and cooperation with traditional allies in the EU and beyond.

• Declining U.S.-Led Order: The dismantling of established international frameworks without viable replacements risks plunging the world into greater instability.

• Future Uncertainties: The redefinition of alliances and adversaries under Trump's policies may lead to increased global conflicts and reduced prosperity.

This comprehensive analysis underscores the transformative and contentious nature of Trump's foreign policy, highlighting its role in reshaping the global landscape and challenging the foundations of post-World War II international order.