The Trumpist right purports to believe that China is an existential threat. If you accept that premise, the logical response is to seek out as many allies as possible to contain the Chinese. Trump, however, has made it clear that America neither has nor needs any real allies; his program, including universal tariffs, withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and the abandonment of Ukraine, could not possibly be more offensive to our friends. What will come of this, if he is elected? How will America be able to project military, diplomatic, and economic power in the Pacific without friends?
The inevitable result of “America First” is a division of the world into spheres of influence. Japan, South Korea, and Australia will become Chinese vassal states–still democratic, but without the ability to conduct an independent foreign policy. Taiwan will fall completely into Chinese hands. Europe will become a free agent, pursuing its own interest apart from either America or China. America’s predominant influence will be limited to the Western Hemisphere.
Of course, if we go to war with Mexico, even that will be in jeopardy.