Forum: Did "America First" Construct America Irrelevant?

Area of Science:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• American Foreign Policy

Background:

• The
• America First
• policy and its impact on US global standing are subjects of ongoing debate.
• US structural power has historically been a key aspect of its international role.
• The Trump administration's withdrawal from multilateral forums and leadership style raised questions about US influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of the
• America First
• policy on American structural power and global relevance.
• To explore whether perceived impacts were due to policy or leadership style.
• To gather diverse scholarly perspectives on the present and future of US foreign policy amidst global challenges.

Main Methods:

• The study presents analyses from scholars with diverse voices and perspectives.
• It examines the
• America First
• approach in the context of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, racial reckoning, and climate crisis.
• Qualitative analysis of foreign policy decisions and leadership impact.

Main Results:

• The Trump administration's actions, particularly withdrawing from multilateral forums, may have diminished US structural power.
• Trump's leadership style created uncertainty among allies and adversaries, potentially overshadowing a decline in structural power.
• The long-term impact of
• America First
• on US global relevance remains to be seen, with potential for rebuilding under the Biden administration.

Conclusions:

• Divergent analyses suggest the
• America First
• policy had complex effects on US global standing.
• The study highlights the interplay between specific policies, leadership characteristics, and international perceptions of power.
• Future research will determine the lasting consequences and the potential for restoring US influence.