US President Donald Trump’s designation by various publications as one of the most influential people of 2025 is not surprising. But it is nonetheless striking: Rather than being honored for his leadership — for, say, resolving crises or consolidating institutions — Trump is being recognized for shattering norms, upending alliances, spearheading economic fragmentation, and ushering in a transactional form of international politics.

In past decades, the United States could harden its policies without relinquishing its role as the ultimate guarantor of the post-World War II order. No more. While America’s retreat from global leadership was arguably a long time coming, Trump has now cemented and operationalized it. As he attempts to leverage the country’s hard-won influence to reap immediate rewards (not least for himself and his inner circle), he actively sabotages in

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