Uncle Donald’s Pax Trumpiana

Donald Trump’s decision to abandon the international agreement that has been overseeing Iran’s nuclear industry is probably the clearest signal he has yet sent to the world that the U.S.A. no longer wishes to work with other nations.

He has opted for isolationism, and on the flimsiest of pretexts. Having persuaded himself that Iran is one of the “bad hombres,” the president is now threatening the whole world, friend and foe alike, with dire consequences if they dare to break his embargo on trade with Iran.

This high-handed approach to international affairs is bound to weaken any alliances that the U.S. may have maintained. The Pax Americana is being imposed on the planetary community, and even at home, many of his own officials have expressed dismay. It is probably more accurate to refer to the “Pax Trumpiana,” since the retreat into isolation and the belligerent threats toward European nations in particular seems to be something he dreamed up all by himself. (Unless his friend Benyamin Netanyahu has been tissing him on.)

We might wish that Canada, and Europe, would call his bluff, but unless we are prepared to suffer those “dire consequences” of his, we’d best tread carefully.

It’s a bit like having a bad tempered old uncle who hates everybody, and lashes out at any hint of disobedience: everybody must tiptoe about quietly until he goes out to the pub.

Surrounded by hawkish officials, the U.S. president has finally broken free of any rational restraints, and may be expected to do almost anything, no matter how lunatic or destructive. His impossible promises have, naturally, not been fulfilled, and like a spoilt child he throws his toys about in a frenzy of thwarted ego.

The best thing for us all to do is watch our bobbers.