US President Donald Trump has made headlines with his outrageous statements and dramatic decisions since returning to the presidency. The most consequential decision so far has been freezing US aid and development programs in Ethiopia, leaving many people without essential famine relief.
Trump’s policies have had a significant impact on Africa, where the US has funded lifesaving malaria prevention efforts and HIV/AIDS drug programs. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has disrupted these efforts, further exacerbating the crisis.
Other reckless policy decisions include pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement on climate change, imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, and threatening Russia with military force. Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a White House meeting sparked widespread dismay around the world.
Despite his impulsive nature, Trump has a clear foreign policy approach that prioritizes US power and projecting tough talk to other nations. This approach is reminiscent of previous Republican presidents like George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.
However, some aspects of Trump’s approach are distinct from those of his predecessors. His scattergun rhetoric towards world leaders and nations, as well as his “crudely transactional” attitude towards smaller countries, set him apart.
Some scholars argue that Trump’s policies have fascist undertones, particularly in their emphasis on ultra-nationalism and racism. While Trump has not exhibited the same level of mob or state violence seen in fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, his rhetoric and actions have raised concerns among opponents.
As the second Trump administration continues to put its destructive ideas into place, it remains to be seen how far-reaching these policies will be. However, one thing is clear: Trump’s aggressive foreign policy poses significant risks for global stability.
Source: https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-is-picking-fights-with-leaders-around-the-world-what-exactly-is-his-foreign-policy-approach-251238