Trump’s bluntness shatters the Liberal World Order

US President Donald Trump’s return to the centre stage of world politics has reignited discussions about his peculiar political behaviour. While the subject may feel numbing to some, Trump continues to dictate the global information agenda, underscoring two key realities about the modern world. First, the US’ central role remains undeniable, no matter how much others might wish for a multipolar order. Second, Trump’s approach – pushing boundaries both literally and figuratively – has proven to be an effective way of achieving goals in today’s climate.
At the core of Trump’s political behaviour is a rejection of hypocrisy and duplicity, replaced instead with bluntness and rudeness. He insists on getting what he wants, and disregards counterarguments, often repeating the same demands relentlessly. Trump does not pretend to treat other nations as equals to the United States, nor does he hide this belief. In his worldview, international equality does not exist.
The situation with China is slightly different, because of the sheer size of its economy and trade volume; but even there, Trump’s mercantilist instincts dominate.
Trump’s approach is aligned with the 2018 US National Security Strategy, adopted during his first term: which officially recognized modern international relations as a competition between great powers. This acknowledgment in effect elevates certain nations above others – a concept that had previously been acknowledged informally, but had rarely been stated outrightly.
What sets Trump apart is his focus on results rather than ideals. He doesn’t aim to prove himself right; he simply wants to achieve his objectives. This approach is often manifested in his willingness to speak disrespectfully about other countries and leaders. While such behaviour shocks some, it’s clear that Trump’s disregard for diplomatic etiquette reflects a broader trend: the US shift from acting as a “benign hegemon” to a more self-interested, transactional power. Response from other nations – like Denmark, Canada, Germany and others – illustrates this shift. Realization is dawning that if the US abandons its liberal “benign” posture and fully embraces a raw hegemonic approach, resistance would be nearly impossible.
Trump’s appeal stems not only from fear, but also from his fundamental rejection of what can be termed “post-hypocrisy.” In traditional politics and diplomacy, hypocrisy has always existed as a tool to smooth over conflicts and enable dialogue. However, in recent decades, it has evolved into the very essence of politics. The culture of silence and the obsessive smoothing of rough edges have made it nearly impossible to articulate or address real contradictions.
In the modern Western framework, issues are no longer framed as competing interests, but as a clash between “right” (embodied by the Western model) and “wrong” (those who deviate from it). This absolutist approach leaves no room for compromise. What is deemed “right” must prevail, not through persuasion but force.
Triumph of post-liberalism has turned international discourse into a confusing puzzle, where terms lose their meaning and words become disconnected from substance. In this context, Trump’s bluntness acts as a reset button. By stripping away the pretence, he forces discussions to be focused on tangible interests rather than vague value-based rhetoric. His preference for reducing complex issues to material terms may oversimplify the world’s intricacies, but it also makes conversations more concrete and, paradoxically, more meaningful.
Trump’s rise has not changed his character; everyone knew about his peculiarities long before his political ascent. What has changed is the world’s reaction: the fireworks that once caused consternation are now met with resignation, if not acceptance. This shift reflects a combination of fear and adaptation. Many countries recognize the sheer power of the US and the futility of resisting its demands when backed by Trump’s unrelenting forcefulness.
America’s transformation under Trump mirrors broader changes in global politics. The absolutization of hypocrisy, particularly in the West, had created an environment in which meaningful dialogue had become almost impossible. Trump’s return to bluntness and directness, while unsettling, offers a more honest reflection of international realities, and exposes the contradictions and tensions that post-liberalism tried to bury under layers of rhetorical finesse. (Excerpted from Fyodor A. Lukyanov; Russia in Global Affairs)