The Chris Cuomo Project: Ian Bremmer Breaks Down How Trump’s Return Is Reshaping Global Power

Release Date: March 18, 2025

Hosts:

• Chris Cuomo: Award-winning veteran broadcast journalist and host of The Chris Cuomo Project.
• Ian Bremmer: Political scientist, founder of Eurasia Group, and renowned expert on global affairs.

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, Chris Cuomo engages in an insightful conversation with global affairs expert Ian Bremmer. The discussion centers on the ramifications of Donald Trump’s resurgence in American politics and its profound effects on global power structures.

Trump’s Impact on the Global Order

Timestamp: [04:06]

Bremmer elucidates how Trump symbolizes a broader disintegration of the United States’ commitment to its established global order. He states:

“Trump is the principal symptom and beneficiary of a breakdown in how people think about the US Political system... we’re now unwinding that order that is utterly unique, that has never happened in our lives before. And it's gonna create enormous chaos all around the world.”
– Ian Bremmer [04:08]

This shift includes a retreat from collective security, alliances, global free trade, and the promotion of democracy—all pillars that have historically underpinned American influence worldwide.

U.S. Isolation and Its Global Consequences

Timestamp: [05:14]

Bremmer discusses the fundamental U.S. policy change under Trump:

“The basic assumption is less involvement, more resources at home, less exposure, Better for America.”
– Bremmer [05:14]

He warns that this inward focus not only damages America's global standing but also negatively impacts other nations reliant on U.S. support.

Trump’s Disruptive Policies

Timestamp: [06:25]

Bremmer acknowledges the core elements of Trump’s rhetoric that resonate with many Americans feeling disenfranchised:

“There is core of truth, as you know, Chris, in so much of what he says... when you take a chainsaw to things that you have built up... that will have significant long term, unintended consequences which will hurt us.”
– Bremmer [06:25]

He emphasizes that while Trump addresses legitimate grievances about the political system's corruption, his aggressive dismantling of established institutions leads to widespread instability.

Erosion of U.S. Alliances, Especially with Europe

Timestamp: [12:18]

A pivotal part of the conversation focuses on the deterioration of U.S.-European relations:

“Trump just made these latest announcements on the new tariffs. We're going to hit the Canadians in the face with our closest friends...we are making them into an adversary.”
– Bremmer [12:18]

Bremmer argues that such actions undermine longstanding alliances, making traditional partners like Canada and European nations wary and resentful.

“The Europeans as a whole... I’ve never seen any level of damage close to what Trump has managed in his first 50 days, second term.”
– Bremmer [41:30]

He contends that Trump's approaches—ranging from trade wars to unilateral decisions on international conflicts—have irreparably harmed trust and cooperation.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Strategy

Timestamp: [27:52]

The episode delves into the Ukraine-Russia conflict, analyzing Trump's strategy and its implications:

“Our political system is inherently corrupted by... money... there's a chasm between Main Street and Wall Street.”
– Bremmer [12:43]

Bremmer critiques Trump's handling of the Ukraine situation, suggesting that his focus on transactional deals with adversaries like Russia compromises long-term strategic interests.

“We are now run by a leadership that actually has some fundamentally different values than a lot of European leaders do.”
– Bremmer [38:50]

This divergence in values further strains alliances and diminishes the United States' ability to lead effectively on the global stage.

China as a Principal Adversary

Timestamp: [52:49]

Bremmer highlights the rising threat of China, contrasting it with the Soviet Union:

“A China that actually isn't the Soviet Union, they're smaller economy than we are... their ability to actually create world-changing technology is at our level.”
– Bremmer [52:49]

He underscores the necessity for the U.S. to recognize China as a serious competitor and invest strategically to maintain its global dominance.

Media and Societal Polarization

Timestamp: [53:59]

The discussion shifts to internal American issues, particularly media influence and societal divisions:

“We increasingly don't in any way agree on basic truths because we never did.”
– Bremmer [54:03]

Bremmer criticizes the fragmentation of information and the role of media algorithms in exacerbating polarization, leading to a society where consensus on fundamental issues is unattainable.

Impact on Young Americans and Capitalism

Timestamp: [63:56]

Bremmer addresses the disenfranchisement of young men in America:

“42% of young men in the United States believe that it is fully justified to break the law as leader of the United States in order to get the outcomes you want... that's a problem.”
– Bremmer [62:14]

He connects this sentiment to broader systemic failures within capitalism, arguing for reforms that ensure corporations bear responsibility for their societal impacts and that economic systems support rather than exploit the average American.

Concluding Thoughts

Timestamp: [64:33]

Bremmer and Cuomo wrap up the discussion by reflecting on the multifaceted challenges posed by Trump’s policies:

“Trump is a winner. He's always been a winner. For him, right? And for him to be a winner, others have to be losers.”
– Bremmer [30:09]

Bremmer emphasizes the need for authentic leadership that prioritizes national and global well-being over personal or political victory, advocating for a unified approach to restore America's standing and address internal divisions.

Key Takeaways

• Erosion of Global Trust: Trump's policies have significantly undermined America's traditional alliances, particularly with Europe, leading to diminished global influence and increased chaos.

• Transactional vs. Strategic Leadership: Bremmer criticizes Trump's transactional approach, which prioritizes immediate gains over long-term strategic interests, especially concerning adversaries like Russia and China.

• Internal Divisions and Media Influence: The fragmentation of American society, fueled by media algorithms and polarized narratives, poses a substantial threat to national cohesion and effective governance.

• Economic and Generational Disenfranchisement: There is a pressing need to address systemic issues within capitalism to support disenfranchised groups, particularly young men, and to reform corporate accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Bremmer on U.S. Isolation:

  “We are now undoing that order that is utterly unique... it’s going to create enormous chaos all around the world.”
  – Ian Bremmer [04:08]

• Bremmer on Trump’s Value Alignment with Putin:

  “Trump thinks a strong EU is bad for the United States. I think a strong EU is good for the US in a fragmented world.”
  – Ian Bremmer [50:11]

• Bremmer on Media and Societal Truths:

  “We increasingly don't in any way agree on basic truths because we never did.”
  – Ian Bremmer [54:03]

• Bremmer on Capitalism and Corporate Responsibility:

  “We have a society that also feels incredibly polarized and hard done by and angry constantly.”
  – Ian Bremmer [59:11]

This episode offers a profound exploration of the intersection between American political shifts and global power dynamics, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and potential pathways forward.