Trump’s second-term foreign policy asserts U.S. hegemony in the Western Hemisphere while exploring a great power system based on spheres of influence. Its success hinges on defining these spheres—especially between the U.S. and China—without destabilizing East Asia.

The three-way meeting in Beijing stood out for its effort to clarify the historical context of the Iranian nuclear issue and to present impartial, fair and equitable demands to all parties involved.

On February 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM, the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) opened at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. I arrived early at the conference hall, but the 200 seats had mostly been taken and I finally found a spot back in the room.

The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same.

The world’s future will hinge on a choice between unilateral confrontation, as exemplified by U.S. President Donald Trump; multilateral confrontation, as in America’s alliance with the EU; or multilateral cooperation, as advocated by China. It’s clear which one will be better for mankind.

If one takes Marco Rubio’s recent remarks on the end of unipolarity at face value, one could be mistaken for believing that the question of a multipolar world is settled. On the contrary, Rubio’s ruminations, together with remarks from members of the new Trump Administration, including the President himself, buttressed with decisions made in the first few weeks of the new administration, suggest that the issue of multipolarity is very much in question.

Trump’s proudly professed vision of greatness has once again become foreign policy, casting doubts over the stability of America’s relationships with even its closest allies. Could this sudden shift in paradigm strengthen China’s positions globally?

America’s stunning withdrawal from global leadership under President Donald Trump’s isolationist policies has accelerated China’s rise, marking a significant shift in global power dynamics. China’s timing is perfect for the moment as it promotes a vision of global collaboration and shared prosperity.

The world is undergoing profound changes, as reflected in the report from this year’s Munich Security Conference. Focusing on multi-polarization, the report details U.S. arrogance, European hopelessness, Global South helplessness and worldwide disorder.

If Europe fails to awaken and respond to its humiliating rejection by the United States, it will lose not only its seat at the table for Ukraine-Russia peace talks but also its status as a leading player in the future multipolar world.