Trump's Foreign Policy Palette: A Shift Towards Imperialism, With Israel Leading the Charge in Gaza and the West Bank
A span of 100 days that reshaped American foreign relations
In the brash world of the latest Trump era, the president's second stint in office, a bold stroke of transformation is taking place. Confident, with an eager team poised to implement radical changes, Trump 2.0 has arrived, ready to leave its mark on the global stage.
Gone are the days of passive observers and cautionary advisors, replaced by an activist administration that's eager to secure its dominance, both at home and abroad. As public space reverberates with Trump's presence, this bold step into a new political era contrasts starkly with the previous administration under former US President Joe Biden.
Trade tariffs have emerged as the defining cornerstone of Trump's presidency, with a 10% baseline levy on imports, exclusively enforced against countries like China. Tariffs have become the Administration's key calling card.
In international relations, the US has taken a dramatic turn, swinging from being a staunch supporter of Ukraine to an apparent ally of Russia. This unpredictable shift seems to stem from a dislike of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and an embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with no clear reasoning behind their motivations.
Despite his boastful claims of resolving the ongoing war in a single day, Trump continues to debate the merits of diplomacy to end the conflict. Despite his pro-Russia tilt, his policy seems to provide Putin with no incentive to compromise and Zelenskiy with little conviction to do so.
There's no praise or special treatment for long-term allies either. Europe and other traditional partners bear the brunt of tariffs, as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan grapple with their countries' financial repercussions. US Vice President J.D. Vance stoked cultural tensions in Germany, while Security Chief Pete Hegseth cast doubt on the US' commitment to NATO, fueling fears of a future withdrawal. Consequently, Europe has begun to prepare for the potential loss of US assistance and seeks to achieve strategic self-sufficiency.
In negotiating with Iran, the administration may be pursuing a potentially-promising path. The stage has been set by Israeli military action against Iranian proxies and Assad's fall from power, as well as Iran's deteriorating economy. If the US allows Iran limited uranium enrichment to secure a deal, it may face criticism from some domestic and international parties, but Trump's strong-willed leadership should weather any pushback that may arise.
The Trump administration's relationship with Israel has taken a radical turn, with Israel given free rein to act as it pleases in Gaza and the West Bank. The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel seems to have lost its value, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prioritizes securing his coalition through military operations in Gaza over freeing remaining hostages.
The Obama administration’s sanctions on Israeli settlers who commit violent acts against Palestinians have been rescinded, with no pressure on Israel to halt settlement activity. For the first time in modern history, the US has ceased pushing Israelis and Palestinians towards reconciliation. Instead, the Administration’s focus is on facilitating diplomatic normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The most remarkable development in US foreign policy is the unexpected emphasis on the western hemisphere. Canada and Mexico have faced early tariffs over immigration concerns, and more aggressive calls have been made to assert US sovereignty over the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada. This audacious approach has engendered significant backlash, even influencing the outcome of Canada's recent federal election.
There is an unmistakable amoral undertone to US foreign policy under the Trump administration, as it has largely overlooked the weakening of democracy in countries like Turkey and Israel, and dramatically scaled back funding for democracy promotion efforts globally.
The future of US-China relations remains uncertain. Despite Trump’s approval of TikTok extensions and expressions of confidence in meeting Xi Jinping, the massive tariffs imposed on China may lead to a separation of the US and Chinese economies, potentially leading to decoupling. Whether this move is aimed at securing a better deal or represents the ultimate goal remains the most significant enigma in Sino-US relations.
In summary, Trump 2.0’s foreign policy is increasingly unilateralist and less isolationist. Only time will tell if Trump chooses to reduce tariffs, reassess his stance on Ukraine, and pressure Israel to reconsider its approach towards Gaza and the West Bank. If he does, he could stoke economic growth and bring peace to long-strife regions, which hinges on the whims of a president who, for better or worse, has already cemented his place among the most significant US presidents.
Richard Haass, former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, is a senior counselor at Centerview Partners, Distinguished University Scholar at New York University and the author of the weekly Substack newsletter Home & Away.
© Project Syndicate
- In the activist administration of Trump 2.0, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, may face criticisms as the US government considers the enrichment of Iran with limited uranium enrichment, a potential key move in negotiations.
- While Israel is given general-news-worthy freedom to act in Gaza and the West Bank, Trump's administration faces pushback in terms of its approach to Israel, as educational entities like the Council on Foreign Relations question the administration's decision to cease pressuring Israelis and Palestinians towards reconciliation.
- In the realm of politics, the Trump administration, as symbolized by its strong tariff measures, takes a bold stance in international relations. It showcases this via its shift from supporting Ukraine to apparent allegiance with Russia, as well as the erection of guardrails around the economy in the form of tariffs and trade barriers.
