Trump suspends aid to Ukraine to try and force it to the negotiating table – on its terms. Trump was elected on America First. He is demqnding Ukrainian minerals in return for past aid. With wealth comes responsibility! Much is made of our “special relationship” with the states – analysis shows it to have been a one way street since WW2, when did we finally pay off the debt? Why have so many American companies had preferential treatment over here? It is not currently feasible for Europe to step up supplies to counter the USA, but “there are more ways to catch a monkey?”
By pursing prefential trade deals for the USA and creating an isolationist foreign policy he could be putting the dollars primacy as an international currency at risk? I think most commodities are traded in dollars which creates a healthy income and support for the American financial system? I am not sure I fully understand the way it works but a move to the Euro or Yuan would be disasterous for America – I think?
Trade tarriffs have been imposed on China and Canada. Canada can respond by upping energy tarriffs – 30 states get energy from Canada. Canada and Mexico requiring visa for entry could be a great deterrent and fund raiser.
Europe (EU) is reluctant to use frozen Russian assets as it would be detrimental to future investment by China and Saudi Arabia?
Other knock on effects – would the American isolationist policy embolden China to invade Taiwan – it seems unlikely but ….? Will Putin be emboldened to threaten Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and perhaps even Finland and Sweden?