Trump's Tricontinental Vision Accelerates U.S. Decline

The president's grand strategy for 'Making America Great Again' is leading the country to its own 'appointment in Samarra'.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In his second term, President Donald Trump has pursued a grand strategy for U.S. foreign relations based on a tricontinental division of global power, continued reliance on oil-powered energy, and a transactional approach to international trade. However, this strategy is rapidly accelerating the decline of U.S. global power, with Trump's policies eroding Washington's position in Eurasia, delaying America's participation in the global shift to renewable energy, and isolating the country economically.

Why it matters

Trump's strategy represents a stark departure from the traditional U.S. approach of maintaining global alliances, promoting free trade, and transitioning to clean energy. If successful, it could transform the United States from a global hegemon to a regional power, while ceding economic and technological leadership to rivals like China. The implications of this shift could be profound, both for America's standing in the world and the future of the global order.

The details

Trump's tricontinental vision involves retreating from Europe into the Western Hemisphere, doubling down on fossil fuels, and using tariffs to replace rules-based free trade with a transactional system. However, these policies are already alienating U.S. allies, delaying the country's shift to renewable energy, and risking economic isolation. For example, Trump's tariffs have raised the average U.S. tariff on imports from 2.5% to 16.6%, the highest since 1932, without stopping the loss of manufacturing jobs.

  • In January 2025, Donald Trump took office for a second term as president.
  • In April 2025, Trump imposed a roster of high tariffs, which he called 'Liberation Day'.
  • By June 2014, China had accumulated $4 trillion in foreign currency reserves.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th president of the United States, who is pursuing a grand strategy to 'Make America Great Again' through a tricontinental division of global power, continued reliance on oil-powered energy, and a transactional approach to international trade.

China

The world's second-largest economy, which has become the dominant economic player in Asia, Africa, and Latin America through initiatives like the Belt and Road program and its leadership in renewable energy and electric vehicle production.

Joseph Biden

The 46th president of the United States, who had a reasonable strategy for managing Washington's position in a changing world before being succeeded by Trump.

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What they’re saying

“America is pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the greater Middle East through the development of free elections, and free markets, free press, and free labor unions... in Afghanistan and Iraq, so those nations can light the way for others, and help transform a troubled part of the world.”

— George W. Bush, Former President of the United States (2004 speech)

“Nothing has ever existed like this disparity of power; nothing. The United States' current position in the world has no parallel in modern history.”

— Paul Kennedy, Imperial historian (2002 review)

“I have 10,000 dealers around the world. Only 2,800 are in the U.S. So, you do the math.”

— Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company (Recent statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.