By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The world has entered a post-western era marked by illiberal international disorder, as exemplified by potential actions of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. A recent global poll reveals a decline in European and global confidence in the US as an ally. The path forward requires a new internationalism that embraces power while rejecting force, and focuses on results over rules. Actions need to be taken regarding Greenland, including diplomatic visits and strengthening financial ties to the EU, which would demonstrate resolve in the face of uncertainty.
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Whether or not Trump invades Greenland, this much is clear: the Western order we once knew is history. It’s a hard truth, but the current geopolitical landscape has shifted so dramatically that the world we grew up with is gone. The very idea of a stable, US-led Western order, the kind that guided us through the Cold War and into the new millennium, is crumbling. And, it’s not solely about Trump’s potential Greenland acquisition, though that’s a symbolic event that would undeniably accelerate the change.
The descent of the US as a global superpower is the underlying issue. It’s akin to watching the decline of any empire throughout history. The current state of affairs isn’t simply the fault of one person; Trump is a symptom, not the disease. The real problem lies with the electorate, the core of the nation that chose him and continues to support him. That’s the monumental challenge facing any attempt at reform, because it’s not just the Western order that’s at stake; the entire world order is changing. The US, with its increasingly erratic behavior, is a catalyst for this global shift, potentially fracturing alliances like NATO, as we’ve known them.
The notion of a return to the “good old days” in the US is largely a fantasy. The world, understandably, views the US with a mix of apprehension and distrust. This situation allows other nations, like those in Europe, Greenland, and Canada, to gain invaluable independence. It’s a necessary shift, not only because the US is no longer a reliable partner, but because its internal quality is questionable. Consider the products, the software, and even the way it engages with the world. The US has a knack for creating long-term problems with short-term solutions. This has been evident since Trump’s election. The focus on owning territory and resources, as the driving force behind any land grab, is consistent with past actions.
The rise of China and the actions of Russia are adding to the complications. The core of this issue is not new. But now, it’s harder to ignore the reality of how the US is perceived. The world saw the game plan in 2016 and again in 2024, revealing ignorance, corruption, and a destructive selfishness. The perception that China is now a better world leader is becoming more common, regardless of what the US may do. The very foundations of civilization, that were tenuously held, have been torn. Trump will create long-term damage, not just for the US, but for the world.
The fact that Trump could be elected twice, even with his clear lack of qualifications and the dangers he represents, is a defining moment. This has far reaching implications. His behavior, and the reactions to it, is reshaping international relations. The only certainty for some countries is the guarantee of mutual destruction. The old American ideal, the image of heroism and lawlessness, is making a comeback. The reality is that Russia is seeing a return on investment.
The talk of “America First” is a joke. While there’s a difference between a threat and an actual attack, the Greenland situation, whether it happens or not, is a distraction. The focus on this diversion is just one way of taking the focus away from the underlying economic turmoil. The doom and gloom narrative, while generating clicks, fuels propaganda.
The path back to restoring the standing with allies would demand concrete actions. It will take time to repair the damage that has been done. If those who have acted to undermine the democracy are brought to justice, there is a chance to move forward. The Western order ended with the events in Gaza, or at the very least has been irrevocably damaged by the potential of Greenland. The right wing parties in Europe are now a factor.
Europe is not a homogenous empire. The EU is in a precarious situation, with member nations potentially leaving. If a key member of the EU were to leave, the EU would be vulnerable. The US could become the only means of protecting the nations from a repeat of history.
Making declarations about broken relationships in an unpredictable future is naive. If the EU were to stand alone, the US would not want to cut ties to the major stabilizing force in Europe. The EU should not be reliant on the United States and this has been a hard lesson for them to learn. Europe should be defending themselves.
Why would any nation rely on a country that has had so little peace in its history? The Western world is seeing the results of imperialism. Europe needs to get back on its feet and stop being the sick man of the world. Politics based on solidarity, justice, and dignity would be a step in the right direction. Americans are the problem, as they support the Trump agenda, and are the baddies now.
Uprooting Russia’s propaganda machine is a good place to start. While China is a reasonable power, it also has an Orwellian surveillance system. Europe and China should be getting closer. In the semi-near future, China and Europe will need each other.
The problem, once again, lies with the Americans themselves. They hold negative attitudes. The general attitudes held, the MAGA cultists, the ignorant, apathetic, and the inaction of many. Those who are willing to admit the actual problem are in the minority. He is a blood-stone emperor. His second term is making the first one look like nothing. Europe needs to step up. China might be rational, but don’t expect a world leader who is the closest to an Orwellian nightmare.