Trump Doctrine of the Deal: America’s New Foreign Policy Realism

Trump Doctrine of the Deal: America’s New Foreign Policy Realism

Amid the conflict-laden dynamics of the Middle East, President Donald Trump has once again shaken the global stage by introducing the “Trump Doctrine of the Deal.” In an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump firmly stated that his foreign policy now prioritizes transactional realism, upholding economic cooperation, stability, and pragmatic negotiation, while sidelining the idealism of spreading democracy and human rights that has long defined U.S. diplomacy.

Trump emphasized that the type of government other countries have is not a priority, as long as they are willing to maintain good relations with America. This new approach was immediately tested in the Middle East when Trump decided to lift sanctions on Syria, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist. This move sparked controversy internationally, given the new Syrian leader’s risky background.

Transactional Realism and Global Risks

For Trump, economic agreements are the pathway to peace. He believes that shared interests in prosperity can overcome deep ideological differences. However, this policy, which overlooks human rights and democracy, has drawn sharp criticism. Many believe it risks strengthening authoritarian regimes in the region, oppressing minorities, and prolonging civilian suffering.

A prime example is America’s stance toward Iran. Trump is pushing for a new nuclear deal by offering significant economic incentives to Tehran, on the condition that Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions. Yet, history has shown that economic offers alone often fail to shift Iran’s ideological, regionally-driven stance. Without concrete guarantees, many remain skeptical of this strategy’s effectiveness.

Attacks on Predecessors and Allies’ Reactions

In his keynote speech, Trump did not hesitate to attack the “nation-building” policies of previous presidents. He asserted that the modern cities of the Arab world are not the result of Western intervention, but purely the hard work of Gulf nations themselves. This statement was seen as disregarding America’s massive military and diplomatic contributions over decades in maintaining regional stability.

This stance also raises concerns among long-time allies like Europe and Israel. European countries consistently champion democracy and human rights, so Trump’s transactional realism tends to be viewed with skepticism. Israel, for its part, is wary that compromises with its long-standing enemies, such as Iran or Syria, could threaten its security.

Netizen Criticism and White House Response

The issue has not escaped sharp scrutiny from netizens across various social media platforms. Many question the legitimacy of cooperating with Syria’s new government, the clarity of Trump’s strategy if the deal with Iran fails, and the long-term impacts on stability and America’s moral standing. Some fear this policy will produce only superficial stability, leaving unresolved ideological roots of conflict.

The White House has insisted that Trump prioritizes national interests and global economic stability. However, public questions about the fate of the Syrian people, human rights, and the potential empowerment of authoritarian regimes continue to spark fierce debate.

Challenging America’s Moral Standing

The most crucial question is whether this policy will weaken America’s moral position in the world. U.S. soft power has long been built on the idealism of democracy and freedom. If America now acts merely as a “dealer” of economic interests, there are concerns the country will lose trust, both from allies and the global community who have seen the U.S. as a symbol of hope.

Summarizing the Trump Doctrine Dilemma

Overall, the Trump Doctrine of the Deal marks a new chapter in American diplomatic history. Transactional realism offers pragmatic solutions in an increasingly complex world but raises serious questions about the future of the values America has long upheld. Is the stability achieved truly sustainable, or is it merely a temporary win that ignores fundamental rights and the ideals of freedom? The world still awaits answers to this major experiment in foreign policy.

Weighing America’s New Direction

Amidst global change, the Trump Doctrine of the Deal forces America and the world to reconsider: which is more important, pragmatic stability or the universal principles of freedom and human rights? Only time will tell whether this doctrine becomes a permanent solution or just another chapter in the old cycles of geopolitics.