World Divided, Regions United?
- Jack Walsh
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
An Analysis of The Trump Presidency’s Effects on World Federalism
In one of the most divisive elections to ever occur in the United States, Donald Trump, America’s 45th and now 47th President has stepped back into the very seat of power that was pried from him in 2020. Vowing to bring about a “Golden Age” in America he has taken wide-sweeping actions in a blatant flex of authoritarian power aimed at introducing “America First” policies and “punishing” the “globalists” of the European Union and other international powers friendly to the United States. However, this may have a potential silver lining for world federalism, albeit even if it is a little hard to see.
With the scare of Trump’s tariffs and mass inward policy retreat, European and Canadian officials are beginning to realize that the United States is an unpredictable ally. Fueled by the fear of losing their largest trading partner and security guarantor, cooperation and solidarity between regional political and economic unions has soared to new heights over the past few months. But what exactly does MAGA’s newfound grip on power mean for world citizens, and will regional alliances pushing for a common goal wither away in the face of this threat, or band together in solidarity with people worldwide?
Negative implications and isolationist policy
Trump’s tariffs on the EU, Canada, and many other countries, coupled with the withdrawal of support to Ukraine have many nations worried, especially after the United States withdrew from the WHO and the disbanded USAID. The undoing of decades of progress towards a liberal, rules-based world order is objectively a bad thing for our collective goal of world federalism and international solidarity.
Furthermore, Trump’s “America First” doctrine has destabilized decades of diplomatic norms. Beyond withdrawing from the WHO and disbanding USAID, his administration’s abandonment of the Paris Climate Accord and threats to NATO allies have eroded trust in US commitments. The March 2025 imposition of steel and aluminium tariffs on the EU and Canada, justified under national security pretences, sparked retaliatory measures and trade wars, fraying economic ties. Similarly, the abrupt withdrawal of military support for Ukraine in the same month left allies questioning the US's reliability in countering authoritarian aggression. These actions reflect a broader pattern of transactional diplomacy that prioritises short-term gains over long-term alliances, undermining collective action on crises like climate change and global health.
Isolationism under Trump has also emboldened authoritarian regimes. China and Russia have exploited the vacuum left by the US retreat, expanding their influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and disinformation campaigns targeting democratic processes. The resulting fragmentation weakens multilateral institutions, the very bedrock of world federalism and risks a return to a zero sum world order.
A silver lining
Paradoxically, Trump’s unilateralism has catalysed regional unity. The EU, alarmed by dependency on US security guarantees, accelerated its push for “strategic autonomy,” boosting defence integration through the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework. Canada and the EU revived the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), reducing reliance on U.S. markets. In Asia, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) gained momentum as nations sought alternatives to US-centric trade networks.
Grassroots movements have also flourished. Organisations like the World Federalist Movement (of which YWF is an Associate Member) reported surging membership post-2016, as citizens rallied behind transnational causes such as climate justice and pandemic response. This bottom-up pressure has compelled governments to reinvest in multilateral platforms, exemplified by the EU’s €750 billion COVID-19 recovery fund, which prioritized green transitions and digital cooperation.
How does this relate to trends in the past?
History reveals that nationalism often sparks counter-movements toward cooperation. Post-WWI clarity gave rise to the League of Nations, a similar moment after WW2 led to the creation of both the EU and UN. More recently, Brexit galvanised European integration among remaining EU Member States. Trump’s presidency mirrors these cycles: retreats by dominant powers create space for emergent alliances. However, with today's interconnected challenges such as cyber threats, pandemics, and climate collapse, world federalists must demand faster, more cohesive responses than in the past. The question is whether regional blocs can bridge divides to form a networked global governance model.
How to navigate a more divided future
Strengthen Regional Alliances: Encourage deeper integration within existing unions (e.g., ASEAN, African Union, EU) to build resilient economic and political blocs.
Reform Multilateral Institutions: Advocate for UN Security Council restructuring and IMF voting quota adjustments to reflect 21st-century power dynamics.
Leverage Technology: Digital diplomacy and decentralized platforms can bypass state-centric barriers, fostering global civic engagement.
Invest in Soft Power: Cultural exchanges and educational partnerships can counteract xenophobic narratives, reinforcing shared human values.
Call to arms
The rise of authoritarian nationalism is the call of death for world federalism, it is a clarion call. Citizens must demand accountability from leaders who prioritise division over cooperation. Support NGOs advocating for international law, vote for candidates committed to multilateralism and amplify grassroots campaigns that transcend borders. As Trump’s presidency proves, crises can fracture or unite; the latter requires relentless collective action.
Sources and citations
European Council on Foreign Relations. (2021). Strategic Autonomy: From Concept to Action.
Pew Research Center. (2020). “Global Public Opinion in the Trump Era.”
World Federalist Movement/Institute for Global Policy. (2023). Annual Report on Membership Growth.
United Nations. (2019). Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from International Agreements.
