This could be seen as well American Nationalism based on new political and economic realism. If foreign policy is based on the National interest then who is qualified to blame President Trump for such Trump Administration policy decisions. Now under Trump, a new era of economic and social reconstruction policy actions have begun in a bold and decisive manner. The world may be shocked by these developments but the Trump administration sees this as serving the supreme interests of the United States of America, American economy, and American citizens. These measures resonate with the wishes and aspirations of the American people who voted for Trump to make a comeback to the Presidency. The impact of this America First Policy on the world stage is the subject of international conversations. America puts more resources in global economic development, military alliances, humanitarian endeavors and other governance and social development initiatives than any other in the world. While America is in the forefront in global leadership, other countries are focused on mainly building their economies and sitting on their wealth as much as possible. It has been observed that a few countries like China for example, are in the spirit of contributing to global economic growth and prosperity but through controlled and planned development plans. The Trump administration, in its economic reconstruction programs, have cut international funding considerably thus forcing other Nations to step up their contributions to world economic and social development and military spending in international security arrangements. America therefore, believes in shared responsibilities in global affairs. This is a huge paradigm shift in international diplomacy by the American government. Africa must wake up to the current realities in global politics. This is a new world economic order based on protectionism and securing the interests of Nation States. Economic Diplomacy based on no permanent friends but based on permanent interests. What is being shown here is that while most of the countries of the world especially the advanced ones, are engaged in the empowerment of their economies and the uplift of their citizens, countries like The Gambia seem to be entangled in political antagonism and resistance to economic and social reconstruction plans by the government that will ensure economic empowerment, creation of employment and indigenisation that will put wealth in the hands of Gambians. When the government awards contracts to Gambian citizens and companies, there is opposition to the policy actions. When the government opens business opportunities to Gambian owned business outlets, there seems to be opposition to the policy actions. Yet, the economic empowerment of their country and its citizens is the springboard to sustainable development and in our collective interest. How long can we allow the private sector to be dominated by non Gambians with all its consequences on the purchasing power of the people and its potential risks of milking the economy away at the expense of the country’s development. The America First Policy actions of the Trump Administration should serve as a lesson to the rest of the world that no situation is permanent. Times have changed in American domestic and Foreign Policies. The notion of an interdependent world is now hanging in the balance. Each country must make its own efforts to earn its keep. In this context, The Gambia must engage in economic and social reconstruction programs for sustainable development.
BY: D M. Badjie, Political Scientist / Commentator
