The news of Donald Trump’s return as president has been making headlines around the world.
His so-called “America First” foreign policy could lead to a withdrawal of US participation in conflict areas around the globe.
Five BBC correspondents assess what it could mean to them.
Trump as a respite for Ukraine frontline
By James Waterhouse, Ukraine correspondent, Kyiv
“Don’t try to predict Trump’s actions. No one can predict his actions.
One Ukrainian MP’s words reflect the political challenges facing Kyiv. The fear of a Trump victory in Ukraine was widespread, due to the possible implications for future US support.
The Republican once promised to end the conflict in one day and has repeatedly criticized US military aid to Ukraine. It’s anyone’s speculation what he might do.
“He could ask Putin for a freeze on this war and he says OK,” says a soldier in the front line. “It is the worst scenario, because in a few years the Russians might advance again and destroy us.”
“The second scenario would be if Putin refused,” he says. “There’s a chance Trump may react radically.” This is a better scenario.”
Ukraine hopes this means that the US will increase its military support if a Ukrainian defeat is likely.
Trump is seen by those who are on the frontlines as a way to get some relief from Russian aggression.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President once described by Trump as the “greatest salesman in history”, sent a message of congratulations.
He spoke of the political and economic benefits that a partnership can provide and wants to continue to fight in return.
There’s another ingredient.
Trump will not only have to consider whether or not to continue military support for Ukraine but also how to respond to North Korea‘s growing involvement in Russia’s invasion.
No plans for Putin
By Steve Rosenberg, Russia editor, Moscow
You would expect the Kremlin not to be happy about Trump regaining the White House.
On the campaign trail he avoided criticizing Vladimir Putin. Kamala Harris called the Russian President “a murderous dictator” in the meantime.
Trump also questioned the size of US military aid to Kyiv.
The Kremlin, however, is doing everything it can to give the public the impression that they are not thrilled by the Trump victory.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said: “I am not aware of any plans for President Putin to congratulate Trump.” “Don’t ever forget that America is a ‘unfriendly’ country which is directly and inadvertently involved in waging war against our state.”
The Kremlin’s disappointment is the result of Trump’s first-term results. They had high expectations that a Trump presidency could transform US-Russian relationships. It didn’t.
At the political discussion group I attend in the mountains above Sochi with leading Russian political scientists, they seem to be looking ahead to Trump the sequel.
One pundit told my that he believes the US will “retreat”, from its global superpower status, under Trump.
Another said that the US election fit the Kremlin’s “overall world vision”, where “liberal globalism” has lost its effectiveness.
Europe’s leaders are worried about security.
By Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor
On Thursday, when dozens of European leaders, including those from the EU, gather in Budapest, the right-wingers will be celebrating Donald Trump’s election win, while the rest will wonder what will happen next.
Viktor Orban, a Hungarian TV host and Trump ally, was the first to post a message on Facebook with his joyous message: “It is in the bag!”
For many other EU leaders, Trump 2.0 could be a sign of trouble ahead in terms of security, trade and climate changes.
Emmanuel Macron, France’s Emmanuel Macron, said that he and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had agreed to work toward a “more united Europe, stronger Europe, more sovereign Europe” in this new context.
The German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock gave a sense of the context. She said that after returning from Ukraine, Europeans must “think big” and make big investments in their European security with the US as partners.
Radoslaw Sikorski, her Polish and Nato counterpart, said he was in touch with Trump’s top team. He agreed that “Europe must urgently assume greater responsibility for its own security”.
The prospect of steep US import tariffs also weighs heavily. Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission chief, congratulated Trump and reminded him that their transatlantic relationship was responsible for “millions of trade deals and billions of dollars in jobs”.
Israel is ‘clear-sighted about Trump’
By Lucy Williamson, Middle East correspondent, Jerusalem
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, was among the first to congratulate Trump, and has called him Israel’s best friend in the White House.
Trump had previously gained favor in Israel by cancelling a US nuclear agreement with Iran, which Israel opposed. He also overturned decades of US policies by recognising Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s Capital.
Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the US, said that Trump’s first term as president was “exemplary” in terms of Israel. He adds, “We must be very clear about who Donald Trump really is and what he represents.”
Mr Oren points out that the former president views wars as costly, and Trump has urged Israel finish the Gaza war quickly.
“If Donald Trump takes office in January, and says, ‘okay you have one week to finish this conflict’, Netanyahu will have to respect that.”
Desperation has pushed some Gaza residents to narrow their focus. The Israeli military is fighting the Palestinian group Hamas.
Trump “has made some strong promises”, Ahmed, whose son and wife were both killed in the destruction of their home, says. “We hope that he can bring peace and help.”
Mamdouh said that he didn’t really care who won the US elections – he only wanted someone to help.
Xi could see an opportunity on the world stage
By Laura Bicker, China correspondent, Beijing
China is preparing for Donald Trump’s return, where there are fears his presidency could trigger a new trading war.
Trump, as president, imposed tariffs of over $300 billion on Chinese imports. He has said that the tariffs may be higher than 60% this time.
Beijing will not be silent – it will retaliate. China’s economy has already been hit hard and it is not in the mood for another protracted trade conflict.
However, President Xi could see the next four years of Trump’s presidency as an opportunity.
The Biden administration spent the last four-years building friendships with countries like South Korea, Japan and the Philippines in an attempt to contain China.
Trump’s America First Policy favors deals over diplomacy. As president, he demanded that South Korea pay more money to continue hosting US troops.
China is determined to challenge the US-led global order. Beijing has already formed alliances with the emerging economies of the Global South.
Trump may alienate US allies throughout Asia, as he did in his previous presidency.
If this happens, Xi could see an opportunity to portray himself as a reliable global partner.
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