Reading America's Moves: What Does Trump Really Want?

 

By  Harmen Batubara

Imagine the United States as a giant corporation that has for decades felt it's been overdoing "charity" and "taking care of the neighborhood," while its own kitchen is in disarray. Donald Trump arrives not as a traditional politician, but as a "Debt Collector" and CEO on a cost-cutting spree.

A Simple Narrative - A Merchant's Logic

To the layperson, Trump's explosive actions may seem confusing. However, if we use the lens of "Transactional Interests," everything makes sense:

Immigration: For him, immigrants are a "cost burden" that undermines local labor wages.

Tariff Wars: This is his way of bullying other countries (like China and the European Union) into buying more American products.

Shutdowns & Disasters: He uses the budget as a negotiating tool. If his will isn't met, he'd rather shut down the "company" (the country) than compromise.

 

Enlightenment: What's Behind the Facts?

Behind every controversial tweet and policy, there's a profound ideological shift from internationalism (America as the world's police) to nativism/brutal realism (America for Americans only).

1. Economics: Smashing the Table to Make New Rules

Trump doesn't believe in textbook "fair" free trade. Through his tariff war, he's actually engaging in coercive diplomacy. He's deliberately creating global economic chaos to make other countries uncomfortable, forcing them to come to Washington to seek peace on terms favorable to America.

2. Foreign Policy: From "Alliance" to "Subscription"

His involvement in hotspots like Ukraine and Gaza, as well as tensions with Iran and Venezuela, demonstrates a pattern: Trump dislikes costly, long-term commitments. * In Ukraine, he questioned why the US should pay for Europe's security.

In Gaza and Iran, he tends to use force to pressure opponents into new deals based on business (deal-making), not on purely democratic values.

3. International Institutions - Ignoring Norms for Sovereignty

Trump views the UN, NATO, and the Climate Agreement as "ropes" tying America's hands. By ignoring conventional norms, he wants to prove that America is too powerful to be governed by collectively created rules. He wants to transform the world from a multilateral system (many equal countries) to a unilateral system (America as the sole center of gravity).

How Will the World Deal With All This?

The world is currently in "Survival & Adaptation" mode. World leaders are no longer relying solely on paper diplomacy, but are instead employing several strategies:

Flattery Diplomacy: Many world leaders are now seeking to approach Trump personally, providing a platform and praise to avoid undermining their interests.

Self-Help: European and Asian countries are beginning to strengthen their militaries and economies, realizing that under Trump, America can no longer be considered the ever-present "defending big brother."

Hedging: The world is starting to look to other powers, such as China, or strengthening regional blocs to reduce their reliance on the dollar and unpredictable US policies.

In essence, Trump wants to return America to an era where sheer power (economic and military) speaks louder than international ethics. He wants the world to know that America is no longer offering a "free lunch."