95bFM Are we entering a new era of Global Politics?
23 January 2026
Interview by Emmanuel Orange, adapted by Sara Mckoy
As United States foreign policy creates waves on a global stage, the University of Auckland's Chris Ogden gives his perspective on the effects on world order.
In the first weeks of 2026, the direction of American foreign policy has become more alarming on the global stage.
The kidnapping of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and threats upon Greenland have brought the US into open diplomatic conflict with their ostensible NATO allies. This has revitalised questions around international order, and the strength of international organisations against US-driven insecurity.
As US President Donald Trump demonstrates an increasing disregard for international diplomacy, University of Auckland Co-Director of Global Studies Chris Ogden says his recent “aggressive, assertive and confident” behaviour demonstrates an acute threat to international security.
“If [the US] doesn't get [what it wants], it threatens, it uses sanctions, it uses military force, and intimidates everybody; intimidates allies, intimidates enemies.”
Ogden says that the tactics used by Trump, in particular on his posture towards Greenland, will lead to “long-term damage” to US’ international relations.
“He's threatening the destruction of NATO, which is a major security alliance that's meant to protect Europe and protect against threats from Russia.
“He also looks as though he's ripping up World Trade Organization regulations, free trade regulations.
“So it seems as though it's a very high stakes approach, and regardless of where it falls, I think distrust for the United States will be at an all time high.”
Ogden says that the instability generated by these decisions will see movement towards a new international world order.
“I think that that's the foundation of US foreign policy. I think it needs enemies… but that goes against peace, stability and overall security.
“I think the danger really here is that the US will find itself more and more isolated, and that Trump will reach more and more powerful tools. “
Ogden points to a multipolar future with centres of power including the EU, China, Russia, the US and maybe India.
With the future of international stability becoming “increasingly complex”, he says that New Zealand should consider its role and interests going forward.
“New Zealand will be well placed to think about its values, think about finding alternative partners, and accept that the world is changing.
“And even though that brings uncertainty, try and plot a course towards what it wants, rather than a future that maybe others such as the United States want.”
Ogden says that we should be prepared for Trump to become “even more emboldened, irrational and dangerous”, but there is good change that could come out of a new multipolar world order.
“New Zealand is not the only country out there that is a democracy, wants to protect human rights, wants free trade, wants peace and stability.
“So I think within that understanding, there are lots of positive futures that can come about. I think that leaders need to start to actively craft them.”
