The geopolitical landscape of the 21st century is currently facing unprecedented challenges from two formidable forces: the rise of China and Donald Trump’s disruptive influence.
China’s economic and political ascent has put the world’s rich democracies on the defensive, testing the resilience of the values and institutions that have long underpinned Western power.
Simultaneously, Trump’s policies and rhetoric have acted as a wrecking ball against alliances, democratic norms, and international institutions. The combined effect of these threats raises serious concerns about the future of Western influence and the values it stands for.
The West: More Than about Geography
The concept of the West extends beyond a mere geographical designation; it represents a geopolitical force bound by shared principles. The Western bloc has historically comprised North America, Europe, and, since the 20th century, allies such as Japan, forming a network of treaties and alliances built on mutual interests. Central to these alliances are the principles of the rule of law, free trade, democracy, and collective efforts to combat global issues such as climate change.
These values trace their roots to the classical traditions of Ancient Greece and Rome, which emphasised governance by the people, civic responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge. Over centuries, these ideals were carried across the world, particularly through colonization and globalisation.
However, globalisation itself is now perceived as a double-edged sword, strengthening economic interdependence while also fostering cultural and political tensions. Today, Western values are under siege from external forces like China’s authoritarian model and internal pressures, including growing populism and political fragmentation.
The Rise of China: An Authoritarian Challenge
China’s meteoric rise as a global power has been accompanied by an ideological challenge to Western liberal democracy. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes an alternative governance model—one that prioritises state control, economic centralisation, and a restricted political landscape. This model stands in stark contrast to the democratic traditions of the West and has gained traction in parts of the world where authoritarian rule has appeal.
Beijing’s economic expansion has reinforced its global influence, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By investing heavily in infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and even parts of Europe, China has extended its strategic reach, fostering economic dependencies that undermine Western influence.
Moreover, its aggressive stance in the South China Sea and its suppression of democracy in Hong Kong highlight a disregard for international norms that Western nations uphold.
Technology has also become a battleground. China’s advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and telecommunications—exemplified by companies like Huawei—pose a security challenge to Western democracies. Concerns over state-sponsored cyber espionage, digital surveillance, and the export of authoritarian technology have intensified the ideological rift between China and the West.
Trump’s Disruptive Impact on Western Unity & a Threat to NATO
While China’s rise presents an external challenge to Western values, Donald Trump’s presidency has exacerbated internal divisions.
His “America First” doctrine signaled a retreat from international cooperation, shaking the foundations of NATO, the European Union, and long-standing global partnerships. Under his administration, the U.S. abandoned key international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, weakening collective efforts to address global crises.
Trump’s rhetoric and policies also emboldened nationalist and populist movements across the West, leading to increased political polarization. His disregard for democratic norms, attacks on the media, and efforts to undermine institutions such as the judiciary have raised concerns about the fragility of American democracy itself. The January 6th Capitol riot epitomised the dangers of his influence, highlighting how internal instability can erode global confidence in Western leadership.
Moreover, Trump’s trade war with China, though intended to counter Beijing’s economic dominance, had unintended consequences. It disrupted global supply chains, strained relations with allies, and failed to achieve substantial concessions from China. Rather than strengthening Western unity against Beijing, it often alienated partners who were left to navigate the geopolitical tensions alone.
Salvaging Western Influence
Despite these challenges, the West is not without recourse. Rebuilding alliances, reaffirming democratic principles, and countering authoritarian expansion require coordinated efforts among like-minded nations. The Biden administration has taken steps to restore multilateralism, rejoining global initiatives and reinforcing commitments to NATO and democratic allies.
However, the legacy of Trump’s isolationist policies lingers, and deep political divisions in the U.S. continue to pose a challenge.
Confronting China’s authoritarian model necessitates a strategic approach that balances economic engagement with firm opposition to human rights abuses and political repression. Western nations must invest in technological innovation, bolster cybersecurity, and strengthen supply chains to reduce dependency on China’s economic leverage.
Reinforcing democratic resilience at home is crucial.
Addressing political polarisation, strengthening institutions, and combating misinformation are essential to maintaining the integrity of Western values. The West must also recognise that promoting democracy and human rights cannot be pursued in isolation—it requires genuine efforts to address economic inequality and social discontent, which have fuelled populist movements.
While China’s model of authoritarian capitalism challenges the ideological foundation of democracy, Trump’s legacy of division has weakened Western unity from within. The path forward demands renewed commitment to democratic principles, strategic global engagement, and an acknowledgment that the defence of Western values requires both internal strength and international cooperation.
Whether the West can rise to meet these challenges remains uncertain, but failure to do so could mark the end of all our democracies.
Main Image: Donald_Trump_ao_lado_de_Xi_Jinping_em_novembro_de_2017.jpg via Wikipedia
