Donald Trump, craftsman of peace in Southeast Asia: advantages and strategies behind the historic agreement

The signing of the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, orchestrated under the aegis of Donald Trump during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, brings major political and economic benefits for the American president. This symbolic event constitutes both a regional diplomatic advancement and a strategic opportunity for the United States on multiple levels.

Donald Trump

The benefits for the former president go beyond the simple signing of a document: they touch geopolitical, economic, and diplomatic aspects.

Rising diplomatic power and assertion of global influence

Since his official withdrawal from the presidential stage, Donald Trump has constantly sought to maintain his importance on the international scene. By playing a key role in resolving the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, he shows that he remains a central actor capable of negotiating and influencing regional events.

By intervening in a major conflict in Southeast Asia, Trump capitalizes on the increased visibility offered by mediation. This allows him to strengthen his stature as a diplomatic leader capable of orchestrating peace agreements in a sensitive region.

The image of Trump as a promoter of peace is ambivalent but powerful. By signing this agreement, he demonstrates the capacity of a former presidential figure to positively influence an international crisis, which could strengthen the legitimacy of his future diplomatic or business initiatives.

Impact on his image and popularity

One of the direct benefits of this initiative is a personal affirmation effect. The signing of the agreement, relayed by the international press, positions Trump as a credible and responsible actor, contrasting with other political figures sometimes seen as disconnected from global issues.

Even though this approach mainly targets regional impact, it also influences American voters' perception. It can enhance his image as a strong leader capable of returning to the global stage and acting for peace, which could play in his favor in his future political ambitions.

Through this mediation, Trump repositions himself as a key actor in Asia, notably by strengthening his ties with ASEAN and its regional partners, which could give him increased latitude in other foreign or trade policy matters.

Economic benefits: opening new markets and trade agreements

The economic dimension cannot be ignored. During the signing of the agreement, Trump also mentioned the possibility of new trade agreements with the two nations. By facilitating peace, he paves the way for increased economic exchanges and better regional integration. This would allow him to leverage his past trade policies or prepare the ground for future advantageous negotiations for the United States.

The peace agreement is accompanied by important trade agreements signed with Cambodia and Thailand. These notably include:

• The removal of customs tariffs on 99% of American industrial, agricultural, and food products imported into Thailand, while the United States maintains tariffs of 19% on certain Thai products, clearly benefiting American exporters.

• A similar bilateral trade agreement with Cambodia, where Cambodia also removes its customs duties on American products.

• A very strategic agreement on essential minerals with Thailand, aimed at securing U.S. access to these indispensable resources for high technology and advanced industries.

• Enhanced cooperation on security issues, notably in fighting transnational crime, allowing close American control in the region.

Economic advantages: profit for the U.S. or Cambodia?

The agreement generally favors a trade opening advantageous to the United States, which obtains near-free access to two growing markets on which it can export its industrial and agricultural products without tariff barriers. In contrast, American tariffs on some Thai products remain high, creating an imbalance favorable to the United States.

For Cambodia, the elimination of tariffs on American products potentially boosts the availability of imported industrial and food goods, but conditions remain asymmetric since Cambodia does not necessarily obtain the same export conditions to the United States, which retains protective tariffs on some of its products.

Furthermore, the signing of trade agreements closely linked to peace imposed under American pressure may limit Cambodia's sovereign economic maneuvering room. Moreover, the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers and the deployment of reinforced observers mark a strict commitment under international control, complementing the economic dynamic with regional diplomatic influence under American sway.

A geopolitical lever against China and Russia

One of the major stakes in Southeast Asia is the growing rivalry between the United States, China, and Russia. By playing an active role in resolving the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, Trump aims to strengthen the United States' strategic position in this crucial region.

By investing in regional stability, he tries to curb China's expansion, reinforcing the alignment of Southeast Asian nations with Washington. Most of these countries, including Cambodia and Thailand, seek to balance their dependence between these great powers.

Through this mediation, Donald Trump can influence regional political dynamics, exert pressure on China and Russia, while positioning himself as the real driver of peace and stability in this strategic zone.

Donald Trump's involvement in coordinating this peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand is not just an isolated diplomatic act but a strategic approach with multiple benefits. It allows him to strengthen his international stature, activate his economic diplomacy, and influence the regional geopolitical game in Southeast Asia. Beyond the agreement itself, it is indeed the posture of a global leader, illustrating his ability to act on the world stage, that represents the true victory for Donald Trump, even as he probably still dreams of returning to the White House.