Abraham Newman discusses the problematic nature of Donald Trump's approach to international relations, likening it to a 16th-century view rather than a modern political strategy.
In a recent analysis, political scientist Abraham Newman from Georgetown University critiques Donald Trump's foreign policy approach since his return to the White House for a second term. Newman, along with colleague Stacie Goddard, suggests that Trump operates under a framework reminiscent of 16th-century politics, rather than adhering to conventional national interests. They argue that Trump's strategy, which they term 'neoroyalism', focuses on enriching a small circle of family and supporters rather than engaging with global institutions or collective interests.
Newman posits that Trump's foreign policy is not merely chaotic or a modern adaptation of historical great power rivalries, but instead is rooted in the expectation that Europe should function as a kind of vassal state, willingly providing what he describes as a 'royal tax'. This interpretation reframes the relationship between the U.S. and Europe, suggesting that it is no longer collaborative but rather extractive, benefiting Trump and his inner circle at the expense of wider geopolitical norms.
This perspective calls into question how European nations will navigate their relationships with the U.S. under Trump's leadership, particularly as they contend with rising nationalism and a departure from traditional alliances. The implications of such a policy could lead to increased tensions and a reevaluation of transatlantic relationships, as European countries may resist expectations of subservience and seek to assert their own interests in a more multipolar world.
