Washington:
There are only hours left until President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, but the world is already feeling the effects of his presidency. Since his election victory in November, his hopes for a second term have been felt far and wide, from Kiev to Ottawa to London, the BBC reports.
Gaza ceasefire agreement
In the Middle East, the effects of the Gaza ceasefire agreement are already being felt even before President Trump begins his term in the Oval Office. It is no surprise that Trump reveled in the glory of securing the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as President Biden did not put enough pressure on Israel. In May 2023, Biden put a ceasefire deal on the negotiating table, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in conjunction with his ultranationalist coalition partners, used delaying tactics.
British “mini cabinet”
A series of secret “mini-ministerial” meetings are taking place in the UK with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, according to BBC sources. What will happen, or “trying to plan for what will happen.” Not much is ready, but trying to make sense of Trump’s erratic behavior “would drive you crazy,” the people said. However, another source informed that various documents are being prepared for submission to the entire Cabinet. The uncertainty brought about by President Trump is shocking for British politics.
Resolving the war between Russia and Ukraine
As Russia continues to advance, President Trump’s inauguration will bring pressure for a deal, which probably won’t sit well with Ukraine. On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war, saying he would end it within “24 hours” after being sworn in. But the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, now says he expects a deal to be reached within Trump’s first 100 days in office. Furthermore, in a televised statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Trump, but also said, “I am open to dialogue with the new U.S. administration regarding the Ukraine conflict,” and said that the agreement meant “a lasting relationship based on respect for the Ukraine conflict.” peace should be ensured,” he added. legitimate interests of all people. ”
President Trump threatens tariffs on Canada amid turmoil
Canada is undergoing a period of political instability due to President Trump’s threat that the United States impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Until recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was determined to remain in office and keen to take on his ideological opponent Pierre Poièvre at the polls. But it was the beginning of the end in mid-December when Chrystia Freeland, a key lieutenant, abruptly resigned over what she believed was Trudeau’s failure to take Trump’s threats seriously.
Freeland’s resignation sparked a wave of opposition within Trudeau’s own party, with many members publicly withdrawing their support for his leadership. This internal backlash ultimately led to Trudeau’s resignation as prime minister earlier this month.
The change in leadership comes at a critical time for Canada, which is navigating complex challenges, including potential tariffs and continued diplomatic tensions with the United States.
Possibility of US-China trade war
According to the latest announcement from the Chinese government, the Chinese economy showed a recovery in the final quarter of 2024, narrowly achieving the 5% growth target. But this growth rate is one of the slowest in decades, as the world’s second-largest economy continues to struggle with a protracted real estate crisis, high local government debt and youth unemployment. It reflects.
Despite the challenges, China’s statistics chief said the country’s economic performance in 2024 was “hard-won.”
But the looming threat of additional tariffs on $500 billion worth of Chinese goods by President-elect Donald Trump has made investors cautious. This uncertainty, combined with existing economic challenges, could hinder China’s ability to meet its growth goals next year.
