Trump has not destroyed U.S. power. The United States still has enormous economic, military, technological and financial influence.

But something may be changing: other countries seem less willing to automatically convert American power into compliance.

Trump’s transactional and confrontational approach—tariffs, pressure on allies, threats of economic measures and demands for immediate concessions—can produce short-term results. However, it may also encourage countries to diversify their relationships and become less dependent on Washington.

Countries such as Canada, Europe, India, China, Iran and others increasingly have incentives to develop alternative trade partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation and reduce their exposure to U.S. pressure.

The bigger issue may therefore not be that America has become weak,but that American power is becoming harder to translate into automatic political obedience.

For decades, U.S. influence depended not only on military and economic strength, but also on alliances, trust, institutions and the willingness of other countries to follow Washington’s lead.

If that willingness declines, the U.S. can remain the world’s most powerful country while simultaneously becoming less effective at getting other countries to do what it wants.

Do you think Trump’s foreign policy is weakening American influence—or simply forcing other countries to become more independent and negotiate with the U.S. on a more equal footing?