Donald Trump is quick-moving to build his potential new team picking Sen Marco Rubio for state secretary and Rep Mike Waltz as national security advisor. His first-term record gives clear hints about whats coming next
Looking back at 2017-21 term its clear that despite seeming chaos Trumpʼs main ideas stayed pretty much the same: tough stance on trade deals hard-line immigration rules and different view on international partners (which many experts call non-standard approach to allies)
The first term brought some good results too; the most important was middle-east peace deals known as Abraham Accords which changed how arab countries work with Israel. Interesting fact: some countries like India actually liked Trumps way better than current administration
Here are key things that might change in foreign policy if Trump returns:
* NATO relations will depend on each countrys personal connection with Trump
* More direct president-to-president talks instead of usual diplomatic channels
* Bigger focus on bilateral meetings than group ones
* Different approach to military spending and global conflicts
The main lines of Trump policy are quite predictable
Trumpʼs way of dealing with world issues might look different this time - he wants to make deals one-on-one with other leaders which means less work through normal diplomatic channels. His team picks will matter a lot but maybe not in the usual way: whoever controls his daily schedule could end up being super-important
When it comes to global hot-spots Trump might let Israel deal with Iranʼs nuclear program while staying hands-off about Ukraine. His unique style means more personal deals fewer group meetings and probably some surprise decisions that dont follow standard diplomatic rules
The big question isnt if America will stay powerful (its economy is doing better than other big countries) but how itʼll use that power. With Trumpʼs direct style US might end up being stronger but maybe not in ways other countries like