Washington: While campaigning, Donald Trump said he would be able to end Russia’s war in Ukraine in 24 hours, warned that Israel would be “eradicated” if he lost and vowed sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports. Now that Trump’s won, many are asking an urgent question: will he make good on his long list of foreign policy threats, promises and pronouncements?
Trump has offered few foreign policy specifics, but supporters say the force of his personality and his “peace through strength” approach will help bend foreign leaders to his will and calm what Republicans describe as a “world on fire”. They blame the crises on weakness shown by President Joe Biden. “Trump remains erratic and inconsistent when it comes to foreign policy,” analysts for European Council on Foreign Relations had said. Trump and his loyalists dismiss such criticism, insisting other countries have long taken advantage of the US and he would put a stop to 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 never would have invaded Ukraine if he had been in the White House, adding “even now I could solve that in 24 hours”.
Trump will also confront a volatile West Asia that threatens to descend into a broader regional conflict. He has expressed support for Israel’s fight to destroy Hamas in Gaza but has said PM Netanyahu, a Trump ally, must finish the job quickly. Trump is expected to continue arming Israel, whose existence he said would have been endangered if Harris had been elected. His policy toward Israel likely will have no strings attached for humanitarian concerns, in contrast to pressure Biden applied in a limited way. Trump may give Bibi a freer hand with Iran.
Trump made a tough stance toward China central to his campaign, suggesting he would ramp up tariffs on its goods. But he has presented a mixed message, calling President Xi “brilliant” for ruling with an “iron fist”. reuters
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