Trump's Foreign Policy: Engaged, Not Isolated
President Donald Trump's foreign policy has been anything but isolationist. Despite his 'America First' stance, he has remained actively engaged in global diplomacy. Notably, he played a key role in the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, while European governments struggled to make an impact.
Trump's involvement in the Middle East has been significant. He has been more focused on building relationships with countries in the region than with Europe. This was evident in his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, where he successfully brokered a ceasefire, temporarily reducing European criticism of Israel. However, Europe's influence in halting the war was limited, with the EU having little leverage over Israel and being divided on how to approach the situation.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Trump's efforts to end the 3 1/2-year-old war have been unsuccessful. Despite pushing the two sides to negotiate, the conflict continues. Trump did impose sanctions on Russia's oil and gas industry following pressure from both parties in the U.S. and lobbying by European allies. However, his motivation was more about expressing frustration with Putin than assuaging European countries.
European fears about Trump's second term, such as a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or Europe, have not materialized. Instead, Russia's increasing belligerence has led many European countries to boost military spending.
Trump's foreign policy has been marked by active engagement, particularly in the Middle East. While Europe's influence in the Israel-Hamas conflict was limited, Trump's ceasefire deal temporarily reduced European criticism of Israel. Despite mixed results in Ukraine, Trump's actions have not led to the worst-case scenarios feared by Europe. Instead, Russia's actions have driven European policy, with many countries increasing military spending.
