GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

Trump's second term–one year in, with Stephen Walt

44 snips
Jan 17, 2026
Stephen Walt, a Harvard International Affairs Professor, delves into the evolving dynamics of Trump's second term. He discusses the rapid shifts in global politics, emphasizing Trump's aggressive stance on foreign policy and preference for short, impactful military actions. Walt analyzes Trump's differing approaches to Ukraine and Russia, and the concept of 'predatory hegemony.' He warns that U.S. actions may lead allies to diversify their partnerships and highlights potential domestic and global backlash against U.S. unilateralism.
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INSIGHT

Faster, Broader Shift In US Foreign Policy

  • Trump returned with fewer constraints and a more muscular view of US foreign policy.
  • Stephen Walt says the speed and scope of change has exceeded expectations.
INSIGHT

Preference For Limited Military Strikes

  • Trump prefers short, sharp uses of force, mainly airpower, rather than long wars.
  • Walt notes these strikes avoid deploying large numbers of US ground troops.
INSIGHT

Predatory Hegemony Defined

  • Walt labels the administration's approach 'predatory hegemony' targeting allies and adversaries alike.
  • He says Trump's bilateral mantra is 'what's mine is mine, what's yours is negotiable.'
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