Throughout his career, President Donald J. Trump has emphasized the art of deal making.
Today, in the modern landscape of great power competition, the most strategic deals are not necessarily about real estate or trade.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is emergent as one of the most potent tools of influence.
From China to Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, nations are leveraging FDI to extend their geopolitical reach.
For the United States, and especially under a leader with a vast business acumen, this represents a major opportunity to reassert global leadership and "make America great again" — not just at home, but also abroad.
Historically, the U.S. has been a cornerstone of global development finance.
In the post-World War II era, American capital helped rebuild shattered economies in Europe and Asia.
U.S. foreign investment was instrumental in revitalizing Germany’s automotive sector, building roads across Sub-Saharan Africa, and launching industrial revolutions in key allies.
These projects were not just economic endeavors — they were statements of American values and an extension of its strategic power.
However, the U.S. role as a net exporter of capital has steadily declined. According to recent data, the inbound-to-outbound FDI ratio now stands at 44% — the highest in over two decades.
The U.S. is increasingly becoming a prime destination for foreign investment, rather than the other way around. Meanwhile, other powers are charting in the opposite direction.
Importantly, China exports much more capital than it imports, and with it comes the political influence. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — a vast collection of development and investment initiatives — aims to stretch globally, from East Asia to Europe to Latin America.
While China has already spent an estimated $1 trillion on various infrastructure projects, Beijing’s expenses over the life of the BRI could reach as much as $8 trillion.
These investments — often in the form of roads, ports, and energy plants — are not purely economic. They are instruments of influence, binding recipient nations to China’s economic ecosystem and political orbit.
In addition to political influence, BRI could be a Trojan horse for China-led regional development and military expansion.
Other emerging powers are following suit. Saudi Arabia, long a key U.S. ally in the Mideast, is now actively using FDI to shape global partnerships.
Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom has become a proactive investor in global markets.
Most recently, Saudi Arabia pledged a staggering $600 billion to the United States, aiming to boost bilateral ties in energy, defense, technology, and critical mineral supply chains.
In Europe, Saudi Arabia has already become a pivotal player in economic development.
Over the last decade, Saudi investments have contributed roughly $52 billion annually to the European economy, creating over 100 companies and thousands of jobs in sectors ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tourism to advanced manufacturing.
These investments are more than economic injections — they're bridges between the Gulf and the West, facilitating diplomatic alignment and mutual dependency.
The United Kingdom, too, has turned to investment as a tool of foreign policy in its post-Brexit reality.
Seeking to redefine its role on the global stage, London has entered strategic partnerships that go beyond trade deals.
A notable example is the UK's recent strategic partnership agreement with North Macedonia, which includes £5 billion in UK Export Finance for infrastructure and development.
The initiative spans multiple sectors, from healthcare and energy to transport and digital infrastructure.
As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of North Macedonia Aleksandar Nikoloski noted, the partnership allows the Balkan country to "use the experience and the best expertise of the British public administration and business sector, which will help raise both [North Macedonia’s] administration and business community to a completely new level."
In return, Britain not only gains economic opportunities but also strengthens its geopolitical standing in the Balkans — a region of strategic importance in Europe.
In fact, the British investment in North Macedonia demonstrates how a targeted foreign investment can act as a catalyst in a small economy.
While currently, three sets of projects have been confirmed, including the high-speed railway on Corridor 10, construction and reconstruction of hospitals in multiple cities, as well as the construction of a medical faculty along with a student dormitory in Shtip, these infrastructure investments will have a multiplier effect.
They will not only improve transportation and connectivity but will also drive growth in ancillary sectors and bolster North Macedonia’s overall economic competitiveness.
Additionally, the ongoing projects will contribute to the creation of thousands of new jobs.
Finally, the development of high-speed rail will not only benefit the country but will also make the Balkans region more integrated and competitive.
These examples reveal a crucial truth: in today’s multipolar world, foreign investment is no longer a passive economic activity — it is an intentional act of statecraft.
Countries that invest abroad are not just buying assets, they are investing in influence. President Trump – the Chief Dealmaker of the U.S. — is perfectly positioned to capitalize on economic diplomacy and outbound FDI.
The U.S. has the necessary capital, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to outcompete China or any other rising power in the global arena.
By strategically investing in emerging markets, rebuilding alliances through infrastructure development, and supporting the digital transformations of partner nations, the U.S. can reinvigorate its role as the indispensable partner.
Colonel (Retired) Wes Martin - a retired U.S. Army colonel, has served in law enforcement positions around the world and holds a MBA in International Politics and Business. Read reports from Col. (Ret.) Wes Martin — More Here.
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