A Failing, Flailing President Supplicates Xi
Paul Krugman | Substack • • nation
Key Points:
- Donald Trump’s claim that he restored America’s global respect is contradicted by widespread international contempt, with China viewing him as accelerating American decline.
- Despite China’s internal challenges, its geopolitical influence is rising, while Trump’s policies have weakened U.S. alliances and global standing.
- Trump’s antagonism toward NATO and U.S. allies has eroded longstanding democratic alliances, leaving America isolated on the world stage.
- The U.S. is falling behind China in clean energy innovation and technology, partly due to Trump’s anti-renewable energy stance and trade protectionism that has failed to revive manufacturing.
- Trump’s visit to Beijing amid domestic and international failures highlights America’s diminished credibility and dependence on China, which is likely to exploit the situation for strategic gains.