The return of Donald Trump to the White House has many world leaders on edge. Unlike his first term, this time he arrives with a more structured plan and a firm determination to consolidate U.S. dominance with an unrestrained “America First” approach. To understand how he plans to achieve this, we must analyze the five main levers at his disposal and how he is using them to force other nations to yield to his vision.

1. Military Power: “Obey me or prepare for battle”

The United States remains the most powerful military superpower in the world. Its defense budget is staggering—approximately $900 billion annually, three times that of China, the second-largest spender, and ten times that of Russia. Trump understands this and wields it as an implicit threat: if a country defies the White House’s interests, the possibility of withdrawing military support or stoking internal conflicts becomes real. This strategy is one of deterrence—convincing others that the cost of opposition is so high that it is better not to resist.

In this context, Trump positions himself as the central figure maintaining global leadership through force to ensure world peace. His administration dictates the rules of the game, with the military and defense industry as key allies. Meanwhile, international rivals like China and Russia are obstacles challenging his dominance and must be neutralized.

2. Economic Power: “Do as I say or pay the price”

Trump weaponizes the economy. He knows that many nations depend on trade with the United States and uses tariffs and sanctions to pressure his adversaries. With China, for instance, he has employed a “push-and-pull” strategy—raising tariffs on Chinese goods and then negotiating more favorable agreements for the U.S. This method functions as an extreme bargaining tactic: Trump escalates tensions with hardline measures and then offers relief in exchange for concessions.

Here, money and trade become the battlefield. Trump casts himself as the guardian of the American economy, while countries with trade surpluses, such as China and Mexico, are his adversaries. The result is a scenario in which the U.S. seeks to reshape global trade rules in its favor.

3. Technological Supremacy: “Follow me or be left behind”

The United States leads global technological innovation, controlling companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, and dominating key industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors. During his first term, Trump blocked China from accessing cutting-edge technologies, such as next-generation chips. This functions as a strategic advantage: whoever controls the most advanced technology dictates the rules of the future. If a country refuses to cooperate with Trump, it risks becoming technologically obsolete.

Technology is perhaps the most valuable of Trump’s levers. His administration seeks to keep it out of the hands of competitors who aim to challenge U.S. leadership. The tech industry serves as his ally, ensuring that knowledge and innovation remain under his sphere of influence.

4. Energy Domination: “Oil and Gas are on my side”

The United States is now the world’s largest oil producer (13.1 million barrels per day) and natural gas, surpassing Russia and Saudi Arabia, which each produce 8.9 million barrels per day. With this advantage, Trump can punish or reward countries based on their loyalty. For example, Europe once relied heavily on Russian gas, but with the war in Ukraine, the U.S. has become its primary supplier. Trump could use this leverage to demand concessions from European allies, threatening to cut off supplies or hike prices if they do not comply with his conditions.

Here, energy serves as a power lever, with Trump and major oil corporations acting as providers of economic and political stability. Nations dependent on U.S. oil and gas find themselves at the receiving end of his decisions, forced to accept his terms to secure their energy needs.

5. Narrative Control: “If I control what you think, I control what you do”

Trump does not only operate in military, economic, and technological arenas—he also masters the war of narratives. During his first term, he used social media and aligned media outlets to shape public opinion and discredit his opponents. On the global stage, this means he can manipulate perceptions of allies and enemies, crafting narratives that reinforce his agenda. If a nation does not align with Washington, it risks becoming the next “villain” in American media.

In this strategy, Trump is the storyteller who dictates how events are framed. Media outlets and social networks sympathetic to his agenda serve as his amplifiers, while critical media and progressive intellectual elites represent obstacles seeking to undermine his influence. Thus, the narrative war becomes a crucial battle to shape public perception and consolidate power—because, as the saying goes, “history is written by the victors.”

What does this mean for the world?

Trump is playing a global chess game where every move has consequences. For his allies, this means constant pressure to follow his directives. For his adversaries, it entails economic sanctions, technological restrictions, or even military threats.

The concerning reality is that in this scenario, there is no referee. Trump disregards international institutions and multilateral organizations, making decisions without concern for prior agreements or global norms. His approach is straightforward: the United States wins, and the rest either adapt or lose.

With Trump back in the White House, the world faces four years in which diplomacy will be dictated by force, financial power, and strategic pressure. Are global leaders prepared to confront him? That is the looming question that will define the future of the planet.

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