4th of July in a world at war: America struggles to lead as Trump falters on promise to end global conflicts

As the United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4, the nation stands at a crossroads in its role as a global superpower. The US remains deeply involved in major conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war and West Asian tensions.

However, its ability to project power and maintain global stability is increasingly challenged by domestic priorities, shifting alliances, and the lingering fallout from past decisions, such as the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

The Trump administration’s foreign policy, marked by a desire to scale back military engagements, faces significant hurdles, exemplified by its reluctant involvement in Israel’s bombing of Iran despite opposition from its MAGA base.

Afghanistan withdrawal: A blow to US credibility

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 remains a defining moment in recent American foreign policy, exposing the limits of its power projection.

The hasty exit, following 20 years of military presence, was marred by chaotic scenes at Kabul’s airport, where desperate Afghans clung to departing planes, and a suicide bombing killed 13 US service members and over 170 civilians. The Taliban’s swift takeover of Kabul, despite assurances from the Joe Biden administration that Afghan forces could hold ground, highlighted a critical miscalculation.

The withdrawal damaged US credibility on multiple fronts. Allies questioned America’s reliability as a security partner, particularly after abandoning Afghan allies who had supported US efforts. NATO partners, who had contributed troops and resources, felt blindsided by the lack of coordination. Adversaries, including Russia and China, capitalised on the perceived weakness.

For the Trump administration in 2025, this legacy complicates efforts to restore confidence in US foreign policy.

Trump’s reluctant involvement in Israel’s Iran strikes

The Trump administration, re-elected with a mandate to reduce US military engagements abroad, has faced significant challenges in navigating West Asian tensions, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict.

Despite campaign promises to prioritise “America First” and avoid foreign wars, Trump found himself drawn into supporting Israel’s bombing of Iranian targets last month, a move that sparked dissent within his MAGA base.

The US, bound by its alliance with Israel and pressure from hawkish lawmakers, provided logistical support and intelligence, despite Trump’s initial reluctance. Then, the US president greenlighted a plan to deploy US B-2 stealth bombers to target three nuclear sites in Iran under operation Midnight Hammer.

However, the MAGA camp vocally opposed the decision. Social media platforms, including X, buzzed with criticism from Trump supporters, who argued that US involvement risked escalation and contradicted the administration’s anti-war stance.

Rival powers like China and Russia exploit divisions within the US and its alliances, while emerging powers like India and Turkey pursue independent agendas. Domestically, the Trump administration faces pressure to focus on economic recovery and border security, limiting appetite for costly overseas commitments.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the nation’s role as a guarantor of global peace and stability is under scrutiny. The US retains unmatched military and diplomatic influence, but its ability to lead is tempered by past missteps, like Afghanistan, and current challenges, such as balancing domestic priorities with international obligations.