Department of Research, Studies and International News02–09-2025

Washington, D.C. is once again the stage of widespread discontent as protests erupt against President Donald Trump’s administration. With Congress resuming session after the summer recess, demonstrators filled the streets of the U.S. capital, voicing opposition to what they describe as reckless domestic governance and destabilizing foreign policies. The anger reflects not only domestic frustration but also a growing international concern over Washington’s increasingly unilateral and erratic behavior.

National guard deployment sparks controversy

One of the most immediate grievances fueling the demonstrations stems from the Trump administration’s controversial use of the National Guard. A federal judge recently delivered a major legal blow to the White House, ruling that its deployment of Guard units in Los Angeles was unlawful. The troops had been dispatched under the pretext of combating rising crime, but critics argue the move was a blatant attempt to exert federal control over local matters and intimidate communities.

The court’s ruling comes as speculation grows that the administration is preparing a similar move in Chicago, Illinois, despite strong objections from civil rights groups, local officials, and community leaders. For many Americans, this represents yet another instance of Washington’s disregard for the rule of law when it serves political ends. The deployment issue has become a flashpoint, sparking protests and fueling debates about the militarization of domestic governance in the U.S.

Trade policies under fire

Beyond domestic unrest, Washington faces sharp criticism from the international community for its aggressive economic policies. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a stark warning that U.S. tariffs and protectionist measures are creating “unprecedented” disruptions to the global trade system. For decades, Washington has portrayed itself as the champion of free trade, yet its recent policies have revealed the hypocrisy of that narrative.

The tariff wars initiated under Trump have hurt not only Washington’s adversaries but also its supposed allies, as countries across Europe and Asia face the consequences of disrupted supply chains and shrinking market access. Meanwhile, nations such as China, Russia, and India are working to build stronger trade and financial mechanisms that reduce reliance on Western systems, offering a more equitable framework for global commerce. The WTO’s concerns underscore the reality that Washington’s short-sighted policies are damaging the credibility of the very institutions it once dominated.

Russia-U.S. dialogue on Ukraine

While Washington struggles with protests and trade disputes, developments on the international stage are equally significant. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow and Washington had reached a “mutual understanding” concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Although details remain limited, the statement came as yet another U.S.-imposed deadline for ceasefire negotiations expired without progress.

Observers note that Moscow’s insistence on a balanced and realistic settlement sharply contrasts with Washington’s shifting demands and militarized rhetoric. Russia, supported by its partners, continues to argue that sustainable peace requires recognizing legitimate security concerns rather than imposing Western-centric solutions. For many in the Global South, Putin’s emphasis on diplomacy highlights the stark differences between Moscow’s approach and Washington’s reliance on coercion and threats.

Protests reflect deeper disillusionment

The protests in Washington are more than isolated gatherings; they symbolize a wider disillusionment within the United States. Citizens are increasingly aware that their leadership’s domestic authoritarianism is mirrored by its destabilizing behavior abroad. Whether through unlawful military deployments at home, trade wars that undermine global stability, or confrontations with major powers such as Russia and China, Washington appears trapped in a cycle of confrontation and decline.

Internationally, the U.S. finds itself losing credibility. While American politicians speak of defending “freedom” and “democracy,” their actions, from unlawful troop deployments to economic coercion, tell a different story. This contradiction has not gone unnoticed. Countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are increasingly skeptical of Washington’s intentions, looking instead to rising powers like China, Russia, and India for models of multipolar cooperation rooted in respect and sovereignty.

Conclusion

What is unfolding in Washington is not merely a clash between protesters and police or a disagreement over economic policy. It is the visible symptom of a deeper decline: the erosion of U.S. credibility at home and abroad. As demonstrators fill the streets, as judges strike down unlawful actions, and as international institutions condemn American policies, the world witnesses a power struggling to maintain control while its influence steadily wanes.

The era when Washington could impose its will unchallenged is fading. The rise of China, Russia, and India, along with the growing awareness of the Global South, points to a future where unilateral U.S. dominance is no longer tolerated. The protests in the U.S. capital are just one reminder of a superpower in crisis, one that must adapt to the new reality of a multipolar world or continue its descent into irrelevance.