How Trump has already changed the world

Donald Trump is just hours away from being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, and the effects of his election are already being felt globally. From Jerusalem to Kyiv, London, and Ottawa, the anticipation of a new Trump agenda has altered the calculations of world leaders, leading to significant consequences. In the lead-up to the transfer of power in Washington, our correspondents have examined these changes in various regions. In the Middle East, Trump has made a notable impact even before he officially takes office. He has managed to break through the delays that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his ultra-nationalist coalition partners, had used to avoid accepting a ceasefire deal proposed by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, last May. American pressure on Hamas and other Palestinian groups is expected, but under Biden, pressure on Israel was never applied. Trump is now claiming credit for successfully negotiating the ceasefire deal in Gaza, and many believe he has a valid reason to do so. In the United Kingdom, the situation is quite different. Trump and his team appear to be more prepared this time, with a potentially more aggressive agenda. However, the uncertainty that accompanies Trump continues to shock the British political establishment. How can the UK prepare for what it cannot yet predict? A small group of senior ministers has been holding secret 'mini-cabinet' meetings, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other key officials, to discuss possible scenarios. While some insiders suggest that preparing for specific outcomes could drive one crazy, others indicate that various papers have been prepared for the wider Cabinet. The focus seems to be on seeking opportunities rather than panicking about Trump's unpredictable statements, such as the idea of annexing Canada. In Ukraine, the situation remains dire. A young man named David joined the fight against Russia last September as Moscow's troops approached his hometown. He now spends his days handling explosives, wishing he could be in college instead. David expresses a desire for the war to end soon to prevent further suffering and loss of life. However, he believes that even if the fighting stops, it may only be a temporary pause before Russia returns for more. The Trump presidency is expected to exert pressure for a deal, but it is unlikely to be on Ukraine's terms. In Canada, political instability is on the rise as the country faces multiple challenges, including Trump's vow to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Until recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seemed determined to remain in power, hoping to face his ideological opponent, Pierre Poilievre, in the polls. However, the shock resignation of his key deputy, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, citing Trudeau's failure to take Trump's threats seriously, proved to be the tipping point. Members of Trudeau's own party began to publicly express their lack of support for his leadership, leading to his announcement of resignation as Prime Minister earlier this month. Meanwhile, in China, the economy is facing its own set of challenges. The government announced that it achieved a growth target of 5% for 2024, but this is one of the slowest growth rates in decades. The country is grappling with a prolonged property crisis, high local government debt, and youth unemployment. The head of the statistics bureau described China's economic achievements as 'hard won' after the government implemented various stimulus measures. However, investors are wary of the looming threat of Trump's tariffs on $500 billion worth of Chinese goods, which could hinder China's ability to meet its growth targets. In summary, Trump's election is causing significant changes across the globe. Leaders are scrambling to understand how to respond to his actions and what they mean for their respective countries.