Balance of Power

Pander to Trump or Fight Back? A Preview of Politics in 2026

The year ahead will show if global governments follow Trump’s lead or start to challenge his MAGA agenda.

US President Donald Trump.Photographer: Tom Brenner/Getty Images

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By Alan Crawford

January 2, 2026 at 11:10 AM UTC

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If last year’s political agenda was dominated by Donald Trump asserting his views on the world, then 2026 will show if governments follow his lead — or start to fight back.