On April 27, 2016, GOP Candidate Donald Trump–now President Trump- gave the country a glimpse of how Foreign Policy would work under the Trump Administration. During his speech, a picture began to form of where his viewpoint was in International Politics, and some statements formed an unmistakable picture of realism. Realism has some very distinct characteristics, but some of the features Donald Trump seems to share was having a national interest in power and forming relations with other Great Powers to benefit the state. (American National Security). One of Trump’s goals he stated for the United States was to build as much power as possible. The purpose of having power is to have the ability to overcome resistance to allow a preferred order
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Fortunately, another characteristic of a realist is to form relations with other states who themselves hold immense power. (American National Security) In Donald Trump’s speech, he spoke of befriending two very influential nations: China and Russia. “We desire to live peacefully and in friendship with Russia and China. We have serious differences with these two nations, and must regard them with open eyes …” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) Why these two nations? Well, the United States has had a pretty rocky relationship with the Russian -then Soviet Union- government since the beginning of the Cold War, and having a tension with one of the world powers in not something a realist would want. (American National Security) Trump acknowledges the power that it would bring to the United States, “I believe an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia – from a position of strength – is possible….” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) With China, on the other hand, it would hopefully improve the nation economically since they are one of the leading exporters in the world. Donald says, “Fixing our relations with China is another important step towards a prosperous century… A strong and smart America is an America that will find a better friend in China. We can both benefit or we can both go our separate ways.” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) When he says, “…or we can go our separate ways,” from a realist standpoint, he would feel obligated to make allies with other countries to make sure the United States and their partners had enough collective power to not feel threatened by China and their allies. (American National
Fortunately, another characteristic of a realist is to form relations with other states who themselves hold immense power. (American National Security) In Donald Trump’s speech, he spoke of befriending two very influential nations: China and Russia. “We desire to live peacefully and in friendship with Russia and China. We have serious differences with these two nations, and must regard them with open eyes …” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) Why these two nations? Well, the United States has had a pretty rocky relationship with the Russian -then Soviet Union- government since the beginning of the Cold War, and having a tension with one of the world powers in not something a realist would want. (American National Security) Trump acknowledges the power that it would bring to the United States, “I believe an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia – from a position of strength – is possible….” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) With China, on the other hand, it would hopefully improve the nation economically since they are one of the leading exporters in the world. Donald says, “Fixing our relations with China is another important step towards a prosperous century… A strong and smart America is an America that will find a better friend in China. We can both benefit or we can both go our separate ways.” (Donald J. Trump Foreign Policy Speech) When he says, “…or we can go our separate ways,” from a realist standpoint, he would feel obligated to make allies with other countries to make sure the United States and their partners had enough collective power to not feel threatened by China and their allies. (American National