The recent shift in American politics, marked by economic turbulence and deep societal polarisation, has paved the way for the election of a controversial and extreme figure as the 47th President of the United States. His victory has sent shockwaves across the world, from Canada and China to Europe and, inevitably, the Middle East.
This imperialist arrogance, which holds little regard for anything beyond American interests, is particularly evident under the leadership of Donald Trump. He is backed by a powerful coalition of tech billionaires, Jewish business elites, and Republican hardliners—individuals who have seized this moment to reshape America’s political landscape, dismantle state institutions, and exploit opportunities for influence and profit. The aggressive approach extends beyond domestic affairs, manifesting in an unchecked pursuit of power on the global stage. From imposing tariffs and disregarding trade agreements to seeking control over territories such as Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, this administration’s policies embody a reckless disregard for international norms. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Middle East, where the destruction and occupation of Gaza serve as stark reminders of the administration’s indifference to human values.
Under this ideology, everything—norms, ethics, agreements, and even allies—is expendable if it serves American interests and bolsters Trump’s standing among his domestic base and the Zionist lobby. This supremacist and imperialist mindset has left the Arab world grappling with complex realities, the most pressing being the existential threat to Palestine. The discourse surrounding Gaza, the plans to forcibly displace its people, and the increasingly belligerent rhetoric directed at Arab nations are clear indications of the perilous road ahead.
In this climate, the Arab world must reassess its position. The so-called Arab system, weakened by internal betrayals, political deterioration, and public disillusionment, is struggling to assert itself on the global stage. However, some nations have taken a firm stance against these policies, including Oman, which has consistently rejected such aggression, alongside Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both of which have refused to accept the displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.
In light of the aggressive expansion of Trumpism, Arab nations must recognise the existential threat they face. The unwavering support of the American administration for the Zionist agenda demands a strategic and unified response. This could mark a historic turning point—an opportunity to strengthen Arab and Islamic cooperation and forge new alliances before a modern-day Sykes-Picot Agreement redraws the region’s borders. The necessity for Arab solidarity has never been greater. If there is complacency in the face of this growing threat, the repercussions will extend far beyond Gaza.
On a global scale, resistance to American unilateralism is emerging. A wave of opposition is forming, with major powers such as China, the European Union, and Canada signalling their readiness to push back against the aggressive policies emanating from Washington. China, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from America’s internal and external instability, much like the US once capitalised on Europe’s decline during the Second World War.
Ironically, despite the intellectual and academic elite in the US—including prominent thinkers, scientists, and policymakers—there appears to be little influence over this political frenzy. Nevertheless, dissenting voices are beginning to surface. In a recent New York Times article, columnist David Brooks criticised Trump’s approach, arguing that history has repeatedly shown that radical upheavals, rather than strengthening governments, often lead to catastrophic failures.
Similarly, The Economist has drawn comparisons between Trump and President William McKinley (1897–1901), noting their shared vision of economic protectionism and expansionism. Trump’s admiration for McKinley’s policies, which saw the annexation of territories such as Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, is indicative of his broader geopolitical ambitions.
Despite widespread despair and self-doubt within Arab circles, the existential challenges facing the region necessitate a departure from resignation and passivity. The Gaza war has exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of Western powers, reinforcing the need for Arabs to redefine their political strategy.
Trump’s policies, driven by slogans such as "America First" and "Make America Great Again," highlight the urgency for Arab states to reposition themselves in this evolving global order. Strengthening regional cooperation and asserting Arab interests on the international stage are crucial steps in safeguarding security, stability, and economic prosperity amid the ongoing political, economic, and military conflicts that show little regard for allies or adversaries alike.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on February 17, 2025.
The writer is an author and translator
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