Key Takeaways:

• Max Bergmann, director of the Stuart Center, claims President Trump is reducing U.S. influence on the global stage.
• The reported mineral deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is more symbolic than substantial.
• Bergmann predicts the U.S. will pull back from the Ukraine conflict, but Europe may step in to support Ukraine.

The United States is losing its grip as a global power under President Donald Trump, according to Max Bergmann, director of the Stuart Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Bergmann shared his concerns during a recent interview, highlighting how Trump’s policies are weakening America’s role in international affairs.

The Mineral Deal: A Symbolic Gesture

Bergmann downplayed a recent mineral deal reportedly struck between the U.S. and Ukraine. He described it as aspirational rather than a concrete agreement. “Frankly, I don’t think it means very much,” he said. The deal, he explained, is mostly symbolic and exists only on paper.

To understand why, consider this: the minerals in question aren’t even being mined yet. Ukraine would need to build new mines, a process that could take over a decade. What’s more, mining can’t begin until the fighting in Ukraine stops. Bergmann believes Ukraine offered this deal to the Trump administration hoping it would secure continued U.S. military support. But so far, that strategy hasn’t worked.

The US Pulling Back, Europe Stepping Up

Bergmann also warned that the U.S. is becoming less relevant in the Ukraine conflict. He pointed out that America has already stopped providing economic and development aid to Ukraine, which was once the largest recipient of U.S. assistance. Without this support, the U.S. has less influence over Ukraine’s decisions.

However, Bergmann sees a shift on the horizon. He predicts that Europe will take on a bigger role in supporting Ukraine. “There is this thing called Europe,” he said. “They have resources. We’ve been wanting them to step up and do more, and they have in response to this war.” Europe, he believes, has the capacity to ensure Ukraine doesn’t lose the war and can keep fighting.

The Bigger Picture

Bergmann’s comments paint a concerning picture of America’s declining influence under Trump. The U.S. has historically been a leader in global conflicts, but its withdrawal from key areas like Ukraine signals a shift in power dynamics.

As the U.S. steps back, Europe is emerging as a crucial player. This could mean a more balanced distribution of power on the global stage, with Europe taking on responsibilities the U.S. once shouldered.

For Ukraine, this shift could be a lifeline. With Europe’s support, the country may continue to resist aggression without relying heavily on the U.S.

What’s Next?

The road ahead is uncertain. The U.S. could continue to pull back from international conflicts, while Europe steps up to fill the void. For now, one thing is clear: the world is watching as the balance of power shifts in ways that could shape global politics for years to come.

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Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. will impose new tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico.
• The tariffs are linked to concerns over drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl.
• China will face an additional 10% tariff starting March 4.
• Canada and Mexico will see tariffs resume next week after a month-long pause.
• These moves could strain trade relationships and spark retaliation.

The U.S. is set to impose new tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. President Donald Trump made the announcement, citing the growing fentanyl crisis as the main reason. The move aims to pressure these countries to address drug smuggling into the United States.

Starting March 4, China will face an additional 10% tariff on its exports to the U.S. This comes on top of a recent 10% tariff hike already imposed on Chinese goods. Meanwhile, tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, which were paused earlier this month, will resume next week. These tariffs were initially proposed due to illegal immigration and the deadly impact of fentanyl.

The decision has sparked concerns among the affected countries, with China, Canada, and Mexico warning of potential retaliation and strained trade relations.

The Tariffs Explained

The U.S. government has been struggling to curb the flow of fentanyl, a highly addictive and dangerous drug, into the country. Fentanyl is often smuggled across the southern border from Mexico and is linked to a surge in overdose deaths. While some of the drug’s ingredients come from China, much of it is produced in Mexico.

President Trump has been vocal about holding these countries accountable. He stated that the tariffs will remain in place until the fentanyl issue is “seriously limited” or resolved. The U.S. believes that imposing financial penalties will push China, Canada, and Mexico to take stronger action against drug trafficking.

In addition to the fentanyl-related tariffs, Trump has announced plans for “reciprocal tariffs” starting April 2. These tariffs will be tailored to each trading partner, with the idea of matching how other countries treat U.S. exports. The goal is to create a more balanced trade relationship.

Reactions from Affected Countries

China, Canada, and Mexico have all expressed opposition to the tariffs. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called the moves “unacceptable” and said China would take countermeasures to protect its interests. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum hopes to negotiate with Trump to avoid the tariffs, while a Canadian business leader warned that the tariffs could threaten the North American free trade agreement.

Beijing has argued that the fentanyl problem is primarily a U.S. issue and that China is already taking steps to control the export of drug precursors. However, the U.S. believes more needs to be done.

How the Crisis Started

The fentanyl crisis in the U.S. has been escalating for years, with overdose deaths reaching record levels. Much of the drug is produced in Mexico using chemical ingredients from China. While some of these chemicals are regulated, others are still being exported legally.

The U.S. has been pushing China to crack down on the production and export of these chemicals. However, progress has been slow, leading to growing frustration in Washington. The tariffs are seen as a way to force quicker action.

In February, China warned that new tariffs could harm cooperation on counternarcotics efforts. The country has also emphasized that the U.S. needs to address its own demand for illegal drugs.

What’s Next?

The tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico are set to take effect soon, but there is still room for negotiation. A high-level Mexican delegation is currently in Washington trying to reach an agreement. Similarly, Canada is hoping to find a solution before the tariffs resume.

The U.S. government has also announced plans to study trade issues and determine how best to apply the reciprocal tariffs. The details of these tariffs will be released after the studies are complete.

While the tariffs aim to address the fentanyl crisis, they could have broader implications for trade and international relations. The move has already sparked concerns about retaliation and the potential impact on the global economy.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the fentanyl crisis and the tariffs imposed in response are adding new layers of tension to U.S. trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico. Whether these measures will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen.