Dr. Olayinka Ajala, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Leeds Beckett University, has observed that U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing American interests even when they conflict with those of the country’s allies.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, January 14, Dr. Ajala said shifting global dynamics should not come as a surprise, noting that international geopolitics is undergoing significant change.
“International geopolitics is changing, and I don’t think it should catch any one of us by surprise,” he said. “When you look at Agenda 47, which is a Trump 2024 manifesto, the whole issue of ‘America First’ was clearly defined there.”
Dr. Ajala explained that Agenda 47 outlines key priorities, including an aggressive approach to drug cartels and control over global energy resources.
“Trump specifically stated that he promised to deploy all military assets against drug cartels,” he said, adding that the US President also pledged to “bring down oil prices and control the price of oil as much as possible globally.”
He further referenced the Trump National Security Strategy published in 2025, noting that it is anchored on what he described as “flexible realism,” which aligns closely with the America First agenda.
According to Dr. Ajala, this marks a sharp contrast with the approaches of previous administrations under Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
“The first agenda in that strategy is hemispheric dominance,” he noted, saying “That means Trump is more interested in regional dominance as long as it suits American interests. It is clearly stated that he’s not interested in being the world police.”
Dr. Ajala said this shift explains growing tensions between the United States and some of its allies, including European countries, as well as recent developments such as rising U.S.–Iran tensions and earlier threats by Washington to annex Greenland, a territory traditionally aligned with Denmark.
“Now it is more about what favours America, what are the key issues, even if it is at odds with the interests of its allies,” he said, adding that the treatment and perception of U.S. actions by European leaders reflect this evolving posture.
Turning to Africa, Dr. Ajala said the United States is also repositioning itself to safeguard its strategic interests on the continent, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel.
Referring to recent attacks in Nigeria, he said, “Personally, I think this is one of the ways in which the United States is trying to reassert itself in the geopolitics of West Africa and the Sahel.”
He noted that America’s engagement with Nigeria, including recent deliveries of American military equipment, underscores this strategy.
“I think strategically, America is going to continue to pursue its own interests. We’ve seen that in the West, and we’ve seen that again also in Africa as well. Trying to collaborate with Nigeria, trying to show that they are still a force to reckon with, but all of this still comes under the American First agenda,” he said.
Dr. Ajala added that the U.S. is seeking to realign its interests and alliances in the region, particularly after losing a drone base in Niger.
“All of these are to protect the interests of the U.S. in the region one way or the other,” he said, adding that such moves are likely to continue in the coming years.
