International scholar Suren Sargsyanwrites:
The second term of Trump's presidency may not be like the first.
Times and realities are different, the international situation is different, American foreign policy has gone too far in many directions during the four years of Biden's presidency (including in the South Caucasus). Even as the head of a global superpower, Trump cannot ignore these realities.
Trump can't go into the first four years of some sort of self-isolation and deal with mostly domestic issues. I am far from thinking that he will withdraw from NATO or destroy it, as his opponents claim. He just might change the rules of the game in relationships and funding principles. Trump is back with more legitimacy.
Republicans are largely responsible for their majority in the Senate and House.
Let's not forget that in terms of the physical volume of voters' votes, he was ahead of Harris by about 4.5 million votes, which gives him exceptional legitimacy to act on the foreign political front as well, without being constrained. This is going to be a difficult time for Americans.
There is little chance that the American public will reconcile and overcome polarization. It will also be difficult for outside players, as Trump will bring new challenges to both allies and adversaries. Naturally, there are no expectations regarding the government of Armenia. However, the Armenian community, lobbying and other organizations and the Armenian Apostolic Church have work to do, including in terms of giving a legal assessment of the ethnic cleansing that took place in Artsakh and recognition by the US.
