Critics have characterized the Trump administration’s foreign policy as chaotic and unsystematic, but it was rooted in three principles that differed from both typical Democratic and Republican positions. Although the administration did not always articulate these principles, by bringing them the Trump team left a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy that extends even to Trump’s political opponents.
First, United States foreign policy must be simultaneously energetic and modest. The U.S. must actively pursue its core interests – the promotion of its security and prosperity – and respond decisively to threats against them. This response can range from forceful retaliation against provocations from individuals, groups, or countries to a general commitment to long-term strategic competition with adversary states. The United States’ broader ability to shape the world is limited, however. Despite the nation’s dedication to universal principles of freedom and democracy, the United States cannot ensure that human rights, competitive elections, or good governance take root overseas. Local histories, cultures, and political environments, as well as limited U.S. resources, will often make this impossible. Recognizing these constraints, the United States must resist the temptation to intervene abroad for reasons unconnected to its core interests.
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