Trump's 'America First' Policy: A Look at Global Conflicts and Consequences

President-elect Donald Trump is stepping into a world full of heated conflicts. Two experts from Indiana University are warning that his 'America First' policy might not be the best move. The U. S. is already facing intense wars in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. Trump has a lot on his plate, from dealing with Russia's moves in Ukraine to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. John Ciorciari, a professor at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, thinks Trump needs to carefully consider how his actions will affect U. S. credibility. The U. S. has been a key player in these conflicts, and Trump's choices could change that. Pierre Atlas, a senior lecturer at the Paul O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, adds that Trump has to think about the economy too. His proposed tariffs could cause trouble for U. S. allies and lead to a trade war. The war in Ukraine is a big deal. It's not just about Russia and Ukraine, but also about democracy versus authoritarianism. The U. S. has been supporting Ukraine, but Trump has shown sympathy for Russia. This could change things dramatically. If Trump cuts off aid to Ukraine, it might not be able to keep fighting back against Russia. In the Middle East, Trump has shown strong support for Israel. He might give them more freedom to handle the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. But this could lead to more chaos if the U. S. isn't playing an active role. Trade wars are another thing to watch out for. Trump's tariffs could make goods more expensive for Americans and hurt U. S. exports. Nobody wins in a trade war.