In a recent interview, Brazilian academic Vinicius Mariano de Carvalho, a professor at King's College London, presents a critical perspective on Donald Trump's influence on global politics, framing it as 'surrealpolitik.' He challenges the conventional view that Trump's approach is a revival of realpolitik, suggesting instead that it represents a completely new paradigm. Carvalho emphasizes the necessity for a new diplomatic language to adapt to the unique dynamics of Trump's foreign policy, which he believes relies more on whim and force than on the structured political engagements of traditional statecraft.

Carvalho references the historical context of realpolitik, a concept introduced by Ludwig von Rochau in the 19th century, which posits that power dynamics are fundamental to international relations. He critiques how Trump's actions, such as military strategies against Iran and his stance towards Venezuela, seem to disregard the nuanced political processes outlined by enlightenment ideals. In this view, Trump's unilateral actions mimic the deterministic nature of gravity, implying that only strength can dictate politics.

The implications of this 'surrealpolitik' approach could significantly alter international relationships, where the traditional rules of engagement are abandoned in favor of a more chaotic and unpredictable framework. Carvalho's insights prompt a reevaluation of how countries interact under leadership that operates outside established political norms, raising questions about the potential for future diplomatic crises and the sustainability of alliances born out of force rather than mutual agreement.