Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh
As Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House looms, the world braces for the unpredictable, the audacious, and the unsettling. For many global leaders, particularly in the Arab world, his re-election is a harbinger of chaos and coercion, not just for policy but for sovereignty itself.
The Middle East, already steeped in volatility, may find itself reshaped yet again under the hammer of Trump’s transactional approach: pay-to-play diplomacy. His infamous demand that wealthy Arab nations compensate the U.S. for its $7 trillion expenditures underscores his vision of foreign relations as business deals.
Middle Eastern Alliances: A New Cost
Trump’s policies will likely demand sweeping concessions. His ambition for a Middle Eastern NATO, spearheaded by Israel, ties into his broader goal of cementing alliances that benefit the U.S. while deepening divisions among Arab nations. Saudi Arabia, viewed as a cornerstone of his regional strategy, may be pressured into normalizing ties with Israel in exchange for U.S. military and political backing.
Peace Through Force: The Dangerous Rebranding of Old Policies
Trump’s rhetoric often glorifies strength, leaving no room for dissent. His likely attempts to redraw borders or expand Israeli territory, particularly through annexations in the West Bank, pose existential threats to the Palestinian cause. These shifts, framed as “peace through force,” would deepen existing fractures and exacerbate regional instability.
An Unprecedented Presidency: Chaos and Fear
What makes Trump’s potential return truly alarming is his brazenness. His first term exposed the raw mechanics of American power—brutal and unapologetic. Allies were treated as subordinates, opposition leaders as targets. This ethos may deepen in his second term, fueled by an emboldened belief in his singular vision for America and the world.
Arab Leaders’ Dilemma: To Resist or Capitulate?
Faced with Trump’s re-election, Arab leaders may seek survival through appeasement, offering economic and political concessions to maintain fragile relationships. Yet, such strategies risk alienating their populations, who increasingly see these maneuvers as betrayals of sovereignty and dignity.
A Call for Vigilance and Unity
Trump’s potential return should compel Arab nations and the global community to reassess their strategies. Rather than succumbing to coercion, the Middle East must strive for regional solidarity, resisting policies that deepen exploitation and division. Failure to do so risks not just temporary instability but the long-term erosion of sovereignty and justice.
Trump’s next four years, if realized, could reshape global power dynamics, testing the resolve of nations and the resilience of alliances. The question is not just what he will do—but how the world will respond. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are monumental.
Al Batayneh is a former member of the Jordanian Parliament.
