Washington: On the campaign trail, Donald Trump said he could end Russia’s war in Ukraine in 24 hours, warned Israel he would be “wiped out” if he lost and vowed to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports. Now that Trump has won, many are asking an urgent question: Will he make good on his long list of foreign policy threats, promises and declarations?
Trump has offered few foreign policy specifics, but supporters say his force of personality and his “peace through strength” approach will help sway foreign leaders to his will and calm what Republicans describe as a “world on fire.” They blame the crisis on the weakness shown by President Joe Biden. “Trump remains erratic and inconsistent when it comes to foreign policy,” analysts at the European Council on Foreign Relations said. Trump and his loyalists dismiss such criticism, insisting that other countries have long taken advantage of America and that he will stop it.
How Trump responds to Russia’s war in Ukraine could set the tone for his agenda and signal how he will deal with NATO and key US allies. Trump insisted last year that Russian President Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he was in the White House, adding that “I can still fix it in 24 hours”.
Trump also faces a volatile West Asia that threatens to erupt into a wider regional conflict. He has expressed support for Israel’s fight to destroy Hamas in Gaza, but Trump ally Prime Minister Netanyahu has said the job must be done quickly. Trump is expected to continue arming Israel, whose existence would have been threatened if Harris had been elected. His policy toward Israel will have no humanitarian strings attached, unlike the limited pressure applied to Biden. Trump may give Bibi a free hand with Iran.
Trump has taken a tough stance on China, a centerpiece of his campaign, and suggested he would raise tariffs on its goods. But he has delivered a mixed message, calling President Xi “bright” who rules with an “iron fist”. Reuters
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