The way the world sees the US has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. Once regarded as a liberator and a champion of democracy, the US is now often viewed as a disruptive force — a landlord frustrated with its tenants and demanding compensation from allies.

This article explores how this shift in foreign policy is playing out, particularly in the US’s treatment of long-time democratic partners, like Ukraine, and its increasing insistence on economic returns for its support. It also examines the consequences of this evolving stance for global stability, focusing on tensions arising from tariff wars with Canada and Mexico, as well as US pressure on Caribbean nations over their ties with Cuba, including visa restrictions, diplomatic isolation, and mass deportations. Additionally, the article explores the implications of US rhetoric regarding potential territorial expansions, particularly its threats of taking over Palestine and Greenland, and the global concerns these statements have raised.

The United States has traditionally positioned itself as a global leader, promoting democracy and international stability. However, in recent years, this role has taken on a new and more contentious dimension. Instead of being seen as a steadfast ally and protector of democratic values, the US is now often regarded as a destabilising force, demanding economic payback for its support. This transformation raises important questions about the future of US foreign policy, its relationships with allies, and the broader stability of the international system.

From Champion to Disruptor: A Changing Role

Following World War II, the US emerged as a global superpower, taking on the role of a democratic champion. It played a key role in creating institutions like the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), reinforcing its commitment to maintaining global stability. However, as global dynamics have changed, so too has the US’s approach to international relations.

Recent foreign policy decisions have cast the US as an unpredictable actor, undermining the very alliances and agreements it once promoted. Pulling out of international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, signals a shift away from cooperative diplomacy and towards a more unilateral approach. These moves have left allies questioning whether the US can still be relied upon as a partner.

Perhaps one of the clearest examples of this shift is the US’s evolving relationship with Ukraine. Back in 1994 the US promised to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for its denuclearisation. But when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and continued its aggression in eastern Ukraine, many Ukrainians felt abandoned by the US. While there has been military and economic support, the level of commitment has not matched expectations, leading to a perception that American backing comes with strings attached.

In a departure from its past approach, the US now expects significant economic returns from its support of allies like Ukraine. This raises serious ethical concerns about the nature of foreign aid and what it means for the sovereignty of nations that have long relied on American backing.

Strong-Arming the Caribbean

Beyond its traditional allies, the US has also exerted pressure on Caribbean nations, particularly regarding their diplomatic and economic relationships with Cuba. For years the US has sought to isolate Cuba using economic threats and reductions in aid to pressure Caribbean countries into compliance. This kind of diplomacy not only undermines these nations’ sovereignty but also reinforces the perception of the US as a domineering regional power.

Another tool in the US’s pressure playbook has been visa restrictions. Many Caribbean citizens face significant hurdles when trying to obtain US visas, limiting their ability to travel, do business, or engage in diplomacy. This approach isolates leaders who might be sympathetic to Cuba and affects ordinary citizens who seek opportunities in the US.

Its approach to immigration enforcement, particularly the mass deportation of Caribbean nationals, has further strained relations. Many deportees have lived in the US for years and are being sent back for minor offences or policy shifts, creating fear and uncertainty within Caribbean communities. This tactic serves as a warning to leaders in the region, discouraging them from pursuing policies that might go against US interests.

The US’s evolving foreign policy stance extends beyond security alliances, it also plays out in economic relations, particularly with neighbouring countries. The imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports has strained historically cooperative relationships with Canada and Mexico. These trade conflicts threaten regional economic stability and challenge the free trade principles that once underpinned American diplomacy.

Threats of Territorial Expansion

Recent US rhetoric regarding territorial ambitions has raised alarm on the global stage. The suggestion of taking over Greenland, a Danish territory, shocked international leaders and reinforced concerns about US foreign policy becoming more aggressive and transactional. Similarly, discussions surrounding Palestine have fuelled fears that the US could play a more direct role in territorial disputes, further destabilising an already volatile region. These statements, whether serious policy considerations or diplomatic provocations, contribute to growing anxieties about American intentions in global geopolitics.

As the US shifts towards a more transactional, self-interested foreign policy, the effects ripple across the global landscape. Allies and trade partners are being forced to reconsider their relationships, leading to potential realignments and a more fragmented international order.

If the US continues down this path, the global stage could become more unpredictable and unstable, with countries seeking alternative alliances to reduce their dependence on American support.

The transformation of the United States from a global liberator to a disruptor and disgruntled landlord marks a significant shift in foreign policy, with far-reaching implications. Its approach to allies like Ukraine, its economic pressure on Caribbean nations, and its trade conflicts with Canada and Mexico highlight a broader trend of prioritising short-term gains over long-term stability. Additionally, its threats of territorial expansion, including talks about taking over Greenland and involvement in Palestine, have heightened global concerns about US ambitions.

As international politics grow increasingly uncertain, the challenge for the US is to redefine its role in a way that fosters cooperation and stability rather than sowing division and discord.

Dr Clovis B Nelson is a certified member of the Think Tank on Global Education. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or clovisnel737@gmail.com.