Trump Second Term Begins With Controversial Foreign Policies, Trade Shifts

President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy and international relations, including imposing tariffs on neighboring countries and siding with Russia, signaling a move towards isolationism. On a recent overseas trip, Trump accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to serve as his new Air Force One, a move criticized as blurring the lines between governance and personal gain. He also lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and encouraged Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords while urging Iran to engage in nuclear talks. These actions reflect a broader recalibration of American diplomacy and trade, raising questions about the future of global alliances and economic cooperation. Meanwhile, discussions around sovereignty highlight its dual role as both a source of national autonomy and a potential cause of geopolitical tensions, economic isolation, and human rights concerns, illustrating the complex balance nations must maintain in an interconnected world. The legacy of colonialism, exemplified by Malta's history under British rule, further complicates sovereignty debates by showing how historical governance can shape modern statehood and international relations.