Trump's 2025 'Peace Through Strength' Policy Achieves Mixed Results in Global Conflicts
In 2025, former President Donald Trump pursued a policy under the banner of 'peace through strength' aiming to end multiple global conflicts and touted his record as worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize.
A Gaza–Israel ceasefire brokered in October 2025 halted large-scale fighting and enabled hostage releases, with the exception of the body of Ron Gvili. Meanwhile, an Armenia–Azerbaijan peace declaration signed at the White House in August 2025 emphasized transit routes, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity, though implementation of the agreement remains ongoing.
Efforts to resolve the Ukraine–Russia conflict intensified, including a visit by Vladimir Putin to Alaska in August 2025 and meetings between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump. By December 2025, a 20-point peace plan with security guarantees was under discussion. However, Russia sought changes, and the plan included no fixed borders or NATO commitments.
The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity were signed in December 2025 between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, but eastern Congo remained conflict-prone with active armed groups.
In South Asia, an India–Pakistan ceasefire was declared following attacks related to Kashmir and retaliatory strikes, with emergency diplomacy credited for preventing wider escalation.
Clashes on the Cambodia–Thailand border prompted ASEAN-led mediation; a ceasefire was reached in late October 2025, though displacement continued.
The Iran–Israel confrontation saw strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but produced no diplomatic settlement. The escalation was contained, reinforcing deterrence.
Sudan remained at war through 2025; in December, Saudi Arabia and the United States proposed a three-point plan to end fighting, facilitate aid, and transition to civilian rule.
Finally, Venezuela remained a focal point of direct U.S. confrontation, characterized by broad sanctions and no open diplomatic channel or peace process. Nonetheless, U.S. pressure on Venezuela was framed as part of the broader 'peace through strength' approach.
