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News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Peace For Profit: The Pitfalls Of Trump's Trade-First Diplomacy
Mediating complex conflicts using such transactional approaches risks undermining the sustainability of any agreements The second Donald Trump administration is known for its transactional diplomacy. With a combination of 'America First" and 'Peace through trade" policy approaches, Trump has actively transformed the American network of security guarantees into an overtly transactional system of resource and/or market access in exchange for security commitments. But this transactional approach has also extended into the realm of conflict mediation, where the Trump administration is using peace efforts as an opportunity not only to gain mineral or market access, but also to secure deals for private organisations associated with Trump or his allies. This transactional approach to the sensitive mediation process fails to keep its outcomes sustainable and threatens to endanger international security in the long term. Trump's record in maintaining international peace and security in 2025 might seem like a mixed bag on the surface. His mediation attempts in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts were unsuccessful, as both Russia and Israel regularly violated negotiated ceasefires. His primary success came in mediating a peace deal between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Besides that, there have been unilateral claims by Trump of having mediated the India-Pakistan confrontation in May and the Cambodia-Thailand confrontation in July, despite being openly denied by the parties involved. In the case of Israel and Palestine, the Trump administration floated a business-oriented redevelopment proposal for Gaza, branding it as the future 'Riviera of the Middle East." Though this was not a formal agreement, it was presented as a symbolic prelude to future mediation efforts, highlighting the administration's market-first vision of peace. In the case of DR Congo and Rwanda, the US signed a major mineral extraction and trade access deal with the Congolese government immediately following the peace deal. This deal included US investment rights in cobalt and coltan mining—with firms linked to Trump allies, including Gentry Beach, reportedly positioned to benefit. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and blurred the lines between American diplomacy and private gain. In the case of India and Pakistan, Trump claimed to have mediated a ceasefire in May, though this claim has been repeatedly denied by Indian officials. However, within weeks of the ceasefire, World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency firm 60 per cent owned by the Trump family, signed a blockchain cooperation deal with the Pakistani government. The timing surrounding this deal has raised further concerns about the transactional nature of Trump's mediation efforts, and whether peace attempts are being leveraged for personal-commercial benefit rather than security interests. Most recently, the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire was claimed by the White House as a product of Trump's 'peace through trade" strategy. While ASEAN, especially Malaysia, played the lead role in mediating the ceasefire, the Trump administration publicly asserted that US trade leverage and tariff threats helped pressure both parties. Irrespective of the credits, this public framing by the US supports the broader pattern of using economic pressure and transactional rhetoric to claim diplomatic wins. The US has an unmatched global military presence and the capability to intervene and guarantee the outcomes of mediation with the threat of force. This is also the reason why, despite numerous criticisms of US efforts in ensuring international peace and security, democratic-liberal values, and human rights, it still stands as a credible deterrent and a viable party to initiate mediation processes. These capabilities can be used to further Trump's transactional diplomacy and 'mineral for military" security guarantees, as partner nations may be willing to trade and develop deeper economic ties with the US. This approach has been part of US grand strategy since the end of the Second World War and has also deterred nations from direct military confrontation with a US-aligned partner. However, applying this approach to mediation efforts, especially in active conflict zones, may prove counterproductive. Each of these conflicts is deeply rooted in the historical, political, and emotional fabric of these nations, and 'trade" alone cannot resolve them. Trade might contribute to peace by enabling economic development and complex interdependence, raising living standards, and enhancing education quality—as seen most notably in the long-term reconciliation between the historical rivals France and Germany. However, it cannot guarantee peace without strong institutional support, inclusive policies, and domestic political will. Even where this strategy has seemed to yield temporary results, it is likely due to the looming threat of Trump's tariffs. Using security guarantees or undertaking military interventions has been a core aspect of US foreign policy practice. Over the years, it has used transactional models that range from trade to soft power. However, under Trump this approach has been extended from security guarantees to conflict mediation, with trade with the US and Trump partners as the core aspect of all these deals. Mediating complex conflicts using such transactional approaches risks undermining the sustainability of any agreements. When further complicated by the involvement of private actors and credible accusations of conflict of interest or corruption, the legitimacy and endurance of these agreements come into question. Therefore, applying Trump's transactional approaches to conflict mediation might weaken not only his bid to present himself as a peacemaker, but also undermine international peace and security, with the omnipresent risks of these conflicts resurfacing in the future. Abhishek Kadiyala is a Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution's Indo-Pacific programme with a focus on the United States and US-India relations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Cambodia donald trump pakistan thailand view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 09, 2025, 14:55 IST News opinion Opinion | Peace For Profit: The Pitfalls Of Trump's Trade-First Diplomacy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
A Miami teen takes on illiteracy as her next project. See what she's doing
Liz Aronson may have been in elementary school when she realized her dream career, but the memory is still sharp in her teenage mind. She had just spent the evening dining out with her mom and was headed back home. 'I saw a homeless person sitting down outside of the restaurant, and my first immediate thought was, 'I have to do something about this, right?' I looked at my mom, and I said, 'If we have any leftovers, do you mind if we could give them to this person?'' remembered the 15-year-old from Doral. 'It wasn't the feeling of accomplishment. ... It was just this act of helping others that brought joy to my heart.' Liz, who is a rising junior at Miami Dade College's School for the Advanced Studies, has a résumé that boasts more experience in charity and humanitarian work than most her age. She has served meals in Chapman Partnership shelters across Miami-Dade and organized donation drives for homeless people through Share Like Sisters, a service project she co-founded with her sister, Nati, last year. Her first certified Florida nonprofit, Flow Forward Foundation, hands out menstrual care products to needy communities. In the past six months, she has partnered with small businesses for fundraising events and built a team of global ambassadors from countries experiencing 'period poverty.' Liz was one of over 500 kids across 90 countries — four based in Florida, like her — enrolled in the World Literacy Foundation's remote youth ambassador program this summer. While most teens her age have slept in or headed to the beach, she's made sure every child in her community can read and write at or above grade level, meeting a need she was shocked to find existed. 'I didn't know that illiteracy was that rampant in the United States. ... Even in a first-world country where the education is better, it's actually very common,' she said. In 2017, 38% of Miami-Dade residents read at or below a 'Level 1,' only able to understand basic vocabulary or find very specific information on familiar topics, according to a study by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. The county scored above the state average; only 24% of Floridians read at or below Level 1. Across the country, PIAAC found that 21% of U.S. adults possess the same low literacy skills, totaling 43 million Americans. Well aware of the magnitude of its goal — to eliminate illiteracy globally by 2040 — WLF relies on its youth ambassadors to get the job done, taking them through an intensive, three-month training program. 'Younger people are more outspoken and won't hold back from their experiences or what they want to share. ... They're going to say 'The world needs to change for the better,' said Kendall Warren, 21, WLF's youth ambassador coordinator for the U.S. and Canada. What does it take to be an ambassador? Applicants must be between 15 and 26 years old, have a passion for education accessibility, have a stable internet connection, possess a basic understanding of English, and design a fundraising campaign by the end of the summer. When they've fulfilled the nearly 30-hour-long program, WLF promises a certificate of completion. Learning about the program, Liz says, is even simpler. WLF's website was one of the first to appear on her screen while looking to combine charity work with one of her favorite hobbies. 'I've been a big reader ever since I was able to walk, you know? So, I was like, 'How can I put that love for reading into something that can help the community?' ' she said, sharing that her current read, 'The Handmaid's Tale,' inspired her to merge the two. 'When I stumbled across the World Literacy Foundation and read a little bit about them, I was like, 'Wow, I love what this organization is doing.' ' She kicked off the program in June and has been working her way through WLF's five online learning modules that highlight how illiteracy affects communities worldwide and feature testimonials from those who have learned to read and write because of the nonprofit's work. Live monthly webinars connect her and fellow ambassadors with Warren to ensure they're staying on track while juggling summer classes and family vacations. 'I like to check in on them because I know things happen. ... I want to be personal with them,' she said. But mid-August will see Liz Aronson in her element — designing and running a WLF fundraising campaign. She says rounding up cash resources is when she's most made an 'impact in the community' before. She has organized campaigns for Miami Animal Rescue and most recently partnered with Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, a national dessert chain, on April 21 to support Flow Forward Foundation. 'We did that type of fundraiser where I get 20% of the sales ... it was really successful. A lot of people came to enjoy some ice cream, but also make an impact in the community,' she said. She raked in a $100 cut after selling $500 worth of ice cream in eight hours, though she says 'that's not super important' compared to the reach her nonprofit gained that day. For Liz's WLF campaign, she's still weighing her options and who to team up with, Warren said. Ambassadors 'have the opportunity, if they want to work with other youth investors ... she's still figuring out her fundraiser idea and projects she'd like to work for, but she is working with others to try and fundraise and get all that set up.' The teen says she might try her hand at a bake sale or partner with local businesses. The message, she promises, will stay the same. Illiteracy is 'a big deal, because if you think about it, there's somebody else that doesn't have any access to books and can barely even write their own name,' she said. 'So I really like to acknowledge the fact that I have that privilege and take advantage of it.'
India.com
13-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Who is this man, richer than Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani? No one has seen his face, name is...
Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani (File) Bitcoin founder update: You must have heard about cryptocurrencies. More specifically, you must have heard about popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether. Talking about their values, the Bitcoin is today valued at $117.82K and Ethereum at $2.95K as per Forbes. Together, Bitcoin and Ethereum occupy a major section of the global crypto market. However, do you know who is behind the origin of Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency ever created and more specifically what is his total wealth as of date. How was Bitcoin launched? Launched in January 2009 by the mysterious figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was launched in January 2009. Most importantly, Bitcoin was world's first cryptocurrency, marking the beginning of decentralized digital finance. The introduction of the Bitcoin was seen as groundbreaking system based on blockchain technology, Bitcoin has seen a massive increase in its price since its introduction. What is Satoshi Nakamoto's bitcoin current holdings? As a result of the massive increase in the price of Bitcoins, a well-known cryptocurrency researcher Sergio Demian Lerner published a research paper on Satoshi Nakamoto's bitcoin holdings, where he claimed that Nakamoto may have 1 million bitcoins. Donald Trump earned nearly $57.4 million from crypto venture in 2024 In another significant update from the cryptocurrency world, US President Donald Trump made nearly $57.4 million in 2024 from his cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial (WLF), a new government report has said. The official US Government Ethics report released for the year ending December 31, 2024 has revealed that the earnings of the now US President. The report stated that Trump earned this income through 'token sales' from the company, which is involved in the cryptocurrency business. The 79-year-old Republican is listed as the Co-Founder Emeritus of WLF, while his sons — Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Barron Trump — are also co-founders of the venture. The company was co-founded by Trump and Steven Witkoff, a well-known American real-estate investor and lawyer. According to the filing, Trump mainly owns the WLFI protocol and governance platform. (With inputs from agencies)
Arabian Post
29-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Fund Backs Trump-Linked Crypto with $100m Governance Stake
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A UAE-based investment vehicle, Aqua 1 Foundation, has acquired $100 million in governance tokens from World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture affiliated with the Trump family, making it the most prominent publicly disclosed investor to date. The move, confirmed by both parties, signals a strategic push to accelerate the creation of a blockchain-based financial ecosystem built on stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets. Aqua 1 described the allocation of governance tokens—known as WLFI—as an opportunity to contribute to decisions on the platform's development. Although WLFI is currently non-transferable, World Liberty has confirmed it is 'working behind the scenes' to enable trading functionality. At the Permissionless conference in Brooklyn, WLF co‑founder Zak Folkman stated that WLFI could soon be tradable, with the stablecoin set for an independent audit 'within days'. ADVERTISEMENT Dave Lee, founding partner at Aqua 1, emphasised the synergy expected from the partnership, citing plans to jointly identify and foster high‑potential blockchain initiatives. The intention is to integrate WLF's USD1 stablecoin infrastructure into global commercial payments and treasury systems. The move marks Aqua 1 as a key bridge between traditional finance and decentralised finance, aligning with its ambition to extend influence into South America, Europe, Asia and Middle Eastern markets. Despite its substantial investment, Aqua 1 has maintained a low profile. Reports indicate its web presence is minimal—with just a handful of social media posts and evidence of a website only registered on 28 May. WLF, launched in late 2024 by Donald Trump, three of his sons and associate Steve Witkoff, has raised well over half a billion dollars through token sales. The Trump family controls a significant stake—around 60% ownership and 75% of net token sales revenue—raising concerns over conflicts of interest. Democratic lawmakers and ethics watchdogs have repeatedly voiced apprehension that these financial interests may influence policy, amid reports that WLF proceeds reached hundreds of millions of dollars. WLF's stablecoin, USD1, is 100% backed and supported by U.S. dollar reserves, including Treasuries, and has already drawn sizeable institutional backing. In May, an Abu Dhabi firm used USD1 in a $2 billion transaction with Binance, while WLF prepares to publish an attestation of its stablecoin reserves as part of forthcoming audit disclosures. The institutionalisation of WLFI governance aligns with the platform's roadmap, which includes plans to launch a consumer‑friendly mobile app to streamline access to its digital ecosystem. The expected transition to transferable governance tokens is likely a precondition to broader distribution and potential listings on third‑party exchanges. Regulatory scrutiny remains a key challenge. Critics argue that WLF's entanglement of private financial interests with public office contradicts norms protecting against foreign influence. At least one senator has raised concerns after the Abu Dhabi stablecoin transaction. Additional worries stem from the Trump administration's shift toward crypto deregulation, a change that coincides with WLF's rise, prompting concerns from ethics groups about policy bias favoring the platform. That overlap of influence has fuelled broader debates in Congress. Legislators have begun proposing amendments such as the GENIUS Act, which would regulate stablecoins more robustly, and restrictions on digital asset investments by sitting presidents. Observers note that WLFI's new status and Aqua 1's involvement could sharpen the need for regulatory clarity and transparency around token governance. Meanwhile, WLF's expansion plans are proceeding apace. The platform is reportedly developing a Middle East‑based Aqua Fund to support digital economy projects leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence. The collaboration is expected to produce tokenisation platforms such as BlockRock, targeting institutional asset-digitisation markets. Aqua 1's governance stake marks a turning point. By becoming the lead institutional backer, the foundation now holds significant influence over decisions shaping WLF's evolution. With token transferability and app launches on the horizon, WLFI stands poised for a new phase of adoption—though progress will likely be watched closely by regulators and investors alike.
Mint
26-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
UAE's Aqua 1 invests $100 million in Trump-linked crypto venture, amid outcry of influence peddling
Aqua 1 Foundation, a UAE-based Web3 investment fund, announced today a $100 million purchase of governance tokens in World Liberty Financial (WLF), solidifying its position as the largest individual investor in the controversial crypto venture closely tied to the Trump family. The deal marks the second major Middle Eastern investment in WLF within months, raising fresh questions about foreign influence and conflicts of interest surrounding the decentralized finance platform. The investment grants Aqua 1 significant voting rights over WLF's future development. According to a joint statement, the capital will accelerate WLF's plans to build blockchain-powered financial applications, including expanding its USD1 stablecoin and developing platforms for tokenizing traditional assets like real estate or commodities. The partnership also includes plans to co-develop "BlockRock," an institutional real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, and support the launch of Aqua 1's "Aqua Fund," a UAE-domiciled digital economy investment vehicle backed by regional stakeholders. "Aligning with Aqua 1 validates our blueprint for global financial innovation," said WLF co-founder Zak Folkman. 'We have a joint mission to bring digital assets to the masses and strengthen our nation's standing as a champion and leader of cryptocurrency.' Dave Lee, Aqua 1's founding partner, emphasized WLF's USD1 ecosystem represents a "trillion-dollar structural pivot opportunity" merging traditional finance with decentralized technology. This investment shines another spotlight on WLF's origins and ownership structure, which has drawn intense scrutiny since its launch: WLF was founded in 2024 and is primarily owned by DT Marks DEFI LLC, an entity controlled by Donald Trump and his family, holding approximately 60% (recently reduced from 75%). The Trump family business entity is entitled to 75% of all net revenues from WLF token sales. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are actively involved in management, while Barron Trump is listed as the project's "DeFi visionary." Initial co-founders Zachary Folkman and Chase Herro handle day-to-day operations. The Aqua 1 investment, following closely on the Abu Dhabi MGX deal, intensifies concerns among government ethics experts and critics of the Trump administration. They argue that these substantial foreign investments, particularly from nations with sovereign wealth funds and strategic interests, into a company enriching the sitting President's family create significant potential for influence peddling and conflicts of interest. The administration and WLF maintain there are no conflicts, pointing to Trump's assets being in a trust managed by his children.
