A resurgence of classic great power politics is reshaping the global landscape, according to historian Dominik Geppert, mirroring a shift in US foreign policy and challenging long-held assumptions about the dominance of economic power. Professor Geppert, specializing in 19th and 20th-century history at Potsdam University, observes a growing trend towards a world defined by spheres of influence, a perspective directly reflected in the recently unveiled US National Security Strategy.
The Trump administration’s interventions, particularly its actions concerning Venezuela, exemplify a critical paradox. Despite cultivating an image as a champion of economic principles, Trump has aggressively asserted the primacy of political objectives, employing often brutal tactics. This stance contradicts earlier narratives of American isolationism, showcasing a return to a historical tradition of prioritizing geopolitical interests, especially within the Western Hemisphere.
Geppert highlights a significant historical pivot; a recognition that the supposed ascendancy of economic power has, in fact, been eclipsed. While acknowledging a strong isolationist current within the Republican party, he cautiously suggests that the deeply intertwined nature of global economies, even under protectionist measures such as those championed by the Trump administration, may ultimately prove resistant to sustainable disruption. Nevertheless, he believes those currently holding power in Washington consider such measures a worthwhile experiment despite the potential economic consequences.
The emergence of this new geopolitical reality raises profound questions about the future of international relations and the capacity of globalization to withstand assertive displays of national power. The trend observed by Geppert necessitates a critical re-evaluation of prevailing assumptions about the global order and the enduring relevance of traditional power dynamics.