Donald Trump’s Return and the Future of the American Empire

Boukan News, 01/25/2025 – The United States’ recent expansionist goals have surprised experts. Historically, the U.S. acquired Louisiana from France (1848), Alaska from Russia (1867), Hawaii through a coup (1898), and territories via the Mexicano-American War (1846-1848). Donald Trump now seeks to annex or purchase Canada and Greenland, control the Panama Canal, rename the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America,” and impose a 100% tax on Chinese products. His return is closely watched by Europe, and he has suggested an investor buy Haiti.

Since World War II, territorial conquests have been rare. Hitler’s conquests lasted from 1938 to 1945, Hirohito’s control over parts of China and the Pacific lasted from 1932 to 1945, and Mussolini’s ambitions in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East faded from 1940 to 1943. Soviet influence in Eastern Europe under Stalin persisted until the USSR dissolved in 1991. Saddam Hussein’s expansion led to an eight-year war with Iran (1980-1988) and a failed 1990 invasion of Kuwait, stopped in seven months by an international coalition.

The Bretton Woods institutions (1944), the Yalta Congress (1945), and the creation of the United Nations (1945) promoted a period of relative peace and a manageable capitalist socio-economic system despite its inequalities. Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House could disrupt this peace, potentially leading to major conflicts.

If the United States adopts a threatening stance, it could prompt an international alliance against it. European, Asian, and other nations, including NATO allies and rising powers like China and India, might unite to maintain sovereignty and world peace.

History shows that excessive ambitions and unilateral actions can trigger conflicts. Counterbalancing alliances may isolate the United States and harm its economy with sanctions and trade restrictions. The key question is whether confrontation can be avoided through diplomacy and multilateral de-escalation efforts.

International strategists question why Donald Trump is taking interventionist positions. Is this the beginning of the end for the American Empire? History shows that empires rise and fall, revealing the limitations of human rule. Prominent examples include the Roman Empire with its legions, frontiers, and military campaigns. All power is temporary. This paper reviews the histories of five significant empires, focusing on their influence and legacies.

The Pandya Empire in India existed from 500 BCE to 1350 CE. It reached its peak multiple times before ending with the rise of the Kalabhra dynasty, making it one of history’s longest-lasting empires.

The Roman Empire lasted for approximately 1,500 years, from 27 BCE to around 1350 CE. The Western Roman Empire existed until 476 CE, while the Eastern Byzantine Empire continued until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This empire significantly impacted European culture.

The Holy Roman Empire, a German entity from 962 to 1806, was first led by Charlemagne and closely tied to the papacy. It significantly influenced Europe until Napoleon dissolved it.

The Zhou dynasty ruled China from 1046 to 256 BCE for nearly 800 years. It developed horsemanship, ox-drawn plows, irrigation, and crossbows. Its longevity is credited to feudalism, which decentralized power to lords and landowners.

The Ethiopian Empire, also known as the Abyssinian Empire, existed from 1270 to 1974. It resisted invasions and later became a republic, with Christian origins.

By listing these empires, the intention was to demonstrate that permanence is not guaranteed. Many significant structures eventually fall apart due to internal changes rather than external ones.

According to CNN, the United States currently has 8.5 million job openings and 6.5 million unemployed individuals, resulting in more jobs than job seekers. Prior to the pandemic, the ratio was 0.6, indicating more applicants than available positions.

However, Trump committed to “make America great again,” suggesting that the country required enhancement. He promised to address inflation impacting the middle class and increase tariffs on global producers who do not comply with United States standards, garnering significant public support.

One user wrote: “Tariffs are paid by consumers, not suppliers. Prices are determined by OPEC and gas companies, not the government. There are connections between Trump and corporations. The vote was influenced by various factors, including issues like eggs or gas. The objectives are perceived differently by different groups.” They want to see mass deportations, denaturalization, an end to the path to citizenship. They don’t really believe that things are bad under Biden, but they want to punish the migrants of color from Africa, the Caribbean. They are exhausted from frontal lobe displacement. The U.S. economy is showcasing robust performance, characterized by low unemployment rates, reduced drug prices, record Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a stable stock market, and an expansion in manufacturing.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House is generating suspense, even among traditional allies and some of his 2024 voters.

Joel Leon