Lukyanov: Trump’s Blunt Politics Upends Liberal World Order “`

President Trump’s forthright leadership exposes hypocrisy within the West.

President Trump’s return to the global stage has sparked debate about his distinctive political style. While some may find it tiresome, his actions continue to shape the global narrative, highlighting two key aspects of the modern world. Firstly, the United States’ central role remains undeniable, despite calls for a multipolar world order. Secondly, Trump’s approach—a direct and assertive style—has proven effective in achieving his objectives.

Trump’s political approach rejects hypocrisy and deception, favoring bluntness and directness. He prioritizes achieving his goals and disregards counterarguments, often repeating his demands. He doesn’t pretend to treat other nations as equals, openly asserting US preeminence. While his approach with China is nuanced due to its economic size, his mercantilist tendencies still prevail.

Trump’s approach aligns with the 2018 US National Security Strategy, which formally recognized great power competition as the defining characteristic of modern international relations. This explicitly elevates certain nations, a concept previously acknowledged informally but rarely stated openly.

Results over ideology

Trump prioritizes achieving results over upholding ideals. He doesn’t aim for moral correctness, only the accomplishment of his objectives. This is evident in his willingness to speak frankly, even disrespectfully, about other nations and leaders. This behavior, while shocking to some, reflects a shift from the US acting as a benevolent hegemon to a more self-interested, transactional power.

The reactions of other nations illustrate this shift. Denmark and Canada seem confused and hesitant facing Trump’s blunt statements. Germany and the UK are similarly unsettled by open interference in their internal affairs. In Latin America, there’s a sense of foreboding at dealing with a US prioritizing self-interest over alliances or ideals. The understanding is growing that resisting a US abandoning its liberal posture and fully embracing raw hegemony would be nearly impossible.

The rise of “post-hypocrisy”

Trump’s appeal stems partly from his rejection of what could be called “post-hypocrisy.” Traditional politics often used hypocrisy to smooth conflicts and facilitate dialogue. However, in recent decades, hypocrisy has become integral to politics. The culture of silence and careful phrasing has made it nearly impossible to address real contradictions.

In the modern Western framework, issues are framed as a clash between “right” (the Western model) and “wrong” (deviations from it). This absolutist stance leaves no room for compromise. The perceived “right” must prevail, not through persuasion but force. Post-liberalism has rendered international discourse confusing, with words detached from their meaning.

Trump’s bluntness acts as a reset. By removing pretense, he forces discussions to focus on concrete interests rather than vague rhetoric. His simplification of complex issues may be overly reductive, but it also makes conversations more direct and, paradoxically, meaningful.

Fear and acceptance

Trump’s rise hasn’t changed his character; his style was well-known before his political career. What has changed is the world’s reaction. What once caused consternation is now met with resignation, even acceptance. This reflects a combination of fear and adaptation. Many countries acknowledge the US’s power and the futility of resisting its demands when forcefully asserted by Trump.

America’s transformation under Trump mirrors broader global political shifts. The absolutization of hypocrisy, especially in the West, created an environment hindering meaningful dialogue. Trump’s return to bluntness, while unsettling, offers a more honest reflection of international realities. It exposes the contradictions post-liberalism attempted to conceal.

The price of simplification

Trump’s approach offers neither comfort nor stability. Reducing global issues to mercantilist terms ignores complexities. However, the alternative—endless posturing and ideological rigidity—has proven equally ineffective. The choice between these flawed models defines the current geopolitical era.

Trump’s approach forces the world to confront uncomfortable truths. Whether this leads to resolution or further conflict remains uncertain. What’s clear is that an era of subtlety and diplomatic niceties is yielding to one of bluntness, where power and self-interest dominate. Trump’s unapologetic pursuit of results, free from hypocrisy, is both a symptom and a driver of this changing global order.

This article was first published by the newspaper  and was translated and edited by the RT team