In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, former US Ambassador to Tokyo Rahm Emanuel critiques Donald Trump's foreign policy, asserting that Trump's neglect of domestic democracy has weakened the United States' position internationally. Emanuel argues that by undermining the global rules-based order, Trump has accidentally handed advantages to rival nations like China and Russia. This strategic miscalculation has diminished America's influence and allowed authoritarian figures like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to thrive.

Emanuel highlights two pivotal missteps made by Trump during his presidency: first, his underestimation of the value of democracy and second, his abandonment of the international commitment to a liberal democratic order. By focusing on showcasing power rather than leveraging the inherent advantages of the US position, Trump has incurred significant costs for the nation's global standing. In Emanuel's view, this shift has enabled rising powers to consolidate more influence, further challenging the United States' historical role in global leadership.

Emanuel's analysis echoes broader concerns regarding the implications of Trump's foreign policies, emphasizing the danger of prioritizing short-term displays of strength over longstanding commitments to democratic principles. This critique not only reflects on Trump's administration but raises questions about future American foreign policy direction in the face of increasing global competition from authoritarian regimes.