Trump's foreign policy plan prioritizes China and domestic revival over global dominance
The U.S. Has a Grand Strategy of Consolidation
The foreign policy course of the United States under a second Donald Trump administration is being framed as a strategy of "consolidation"—an attempt to restore global influence by concentrating resources and reallocating commitments, writes Foreign Affairs (translation by Charter97.org).
Washington's current position is compared to that of early 20th-century Britain, when London, facing the rise of Germany and other powers, was forced to reassess its overextended empire.
The core of this approach is to reduce excessive foreign obligations, strengthen domestic industry, and shift more responsibility onto allies. Rather than trying to maintain dominance in every region, the U.S. should focus on key priorities—above all, competition with China.
For decades, the U.S. has been overburdened by military operations, particularly since 2001. This has led to soaring national debt, a weakened industrial base, and diminished economic resilience. Meanwhile, geopolitical rivals—especially China, which has rapidly expanded its economic and military power—have grown stronger.
China is now seen as the primary strategic challenge, while Russia, Iran, and North Korea are viewed as secondary but persistent sources of pressure. At the same time, U.S. armed forces, according to the authors, are no longer capable of fighting multiple major conflicts simultaneously.
The consolidation strategy involves temporary compromises: limiting engagement in certain regions, pressuring allies to increase defense spending, and revitalizing America's own industrial and technological base. Particular emphasis is placed on energy, artificial intelligence, and reindustrialization.
The authors acknowledge that this course carries risks. A reduced U.S. presence could embolden adversaries to act more aggressively while pushing allies to seek alternative power centers. However, proponents argue that, in the long run, this approach will restore the sustainability of American strength.
The ultimate goal is to create a more balanced system in which the U.S. maintains global leadership—but with lower costs and a stronger domestic foundation to fuel a new phase of economic and military growth.
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