Case for Trump’s Foreign Policy

[Social Media]

The Return of Peace Through Strength

 

The ancient Latin phrase "si vis pacem, para bellum," meaning "If you want peace, prepare for war," encapsulates a concept that has influenced leaders from the Roman Emperor Hadrian to modern U.S. Presidents. This idea of achieving peace through strength—or the threat of strength—was echoed by George Washington, who told Congress in 1793 that securing peace required being perpetually ready for war. Theodore Roosevelt’s famous dictum, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick,” similarly reflects this principle, as did Ronald Reagan’s promise to achieve “peace through strength,” which he fulfilled during his presidency.

 

In 2017, President Donald Trump resurrected this ethos in the White House, marking a departure from the preceding Obama administration, which Trump criticized for weakening U.S. military power and apologizing for American foreign policy. Trump asserted this renewed stance at the UN General Assembly in September 2020, declaring that the United States was fulfilling its destiny as a peacemaker through strength. Contrary to the often negative portrayals of Trump, his administration’s record shows significant peacemaking achievements. Within the final 16 months of his term, the U.S. facilitated the Abraham Accords, fostering peace between Israel and three neighboring countries plus Sudan, brokered economic normalization between Serbia and Kosovo, and helped resolve the rift between Egypt and key Gulf states with Qatar. Additionally, the U.S. agreement with the Taliban prevented American combat deaths in Afghanistan for nearly a year.

 

 

Trump’s presidency was marked by a determination to avoid new wars and protracted counterinsurgency operations, making it the first since Jimmy Carter’s term without the U.S. entering new conflicts or expanding existing ones. Under Trump, the U.S. also claimed victory over the Islamic State (ISIS), eliminating its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and dismantling it as a military force.

 

Despite these successes, Trump’s tenure saw adversaries exercising caution rather than aggression. Russia refrained from further incursions following its 2014 invasion of Ukraine, Iran did not directly attack Israel, and North Korea ceased nuclear weapon testing after diplomatic efforts combined with a show of U.S. military strength. While China maintained an aggressive stance, Trump’s decisive actions, such as the 2017 airstrike on Syria following Assad’s use of chemical weapons, underscored his commitment to enforcing red lines.

 

Today, the call for a restoration of Trump’s peace-through-strength policy is more urgent than ever, especially in the face of China’s rising challenge. President Biden’s administration has sent mixed signals about the threat posed by Beijing, retaining Trump-era tariffs and export controls but also attempting to revive pre-Trump cooperation with China. This approach has been criticized as more performative than substantive, with high-level visits to Beijing delivering firm warnings alongside promises of restored cooperation. Such mixed messages risk undermining U.S. strategic clarity.

 

 

China’s ambitions to surpass the U.S. in technological and economic domains through state subsidies, intellectual property theft, and unfair trade practices necessitate a robust American response. Trump began a de facto policy of economic decoupling by imposing tariffs on Chinese exports, a strategy that needs intensification. A proposed 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods and stricter export controls on technology beneficial to China’s military would further this agenda.

 

While maintaining open communication lines with Beijing, the U.S. should prioritize strengthening alliances in the Pacific with nations like Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea, and fostering emerging partnerships with Indonesia and Vietnam. Contrary to concerns, regional officials have welcomed Trump’s forthright discussions about mutual defense responsibilities, viewing his approach as enhancing regional security. Joint military exercises and strategic deployments, such as the disinvitation of China from the annual Rim of the Pacific war games in 2018, exemplify this strategy.

 

Enhancing Taiwan’s defense spending and capabilities is crucial. Despite Taiwan’s considerable defense budget, increased investment and clarity in U.S. arms supply and defense commitments are necessary. Congressional support for military grants, loans, and weapons transfers to nations like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam would bolster their defenses against Chinese aggression.

 

Moreover, the U.S. Navy should reposition its resources, including moving an aircraft carrier to the Pacific and deploying the entire Marine Corps to the region, prioritizing missile defenses and fighter jet protection at Pacific bases. This strategic reallocation from other global missions would address current deficiencies and reinforce U.S. military presence in the Pacific.

 

In summary, the principle of peace through strength remains a vital framework for U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s approach demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy, achieving significant peacemaking successes and maintaining deterrence against adversaries. As the U.S. navigates ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly with China, a renewed commitment to this policy could ensure continued peace and stability.

 

Credit: Foreign Affairs 2024-06-20

 

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[Tug]

I beg to differ trumps policy of sucking up to putin and the squandering of years of work for a cheap photo op with little Kim says the opposite.trump is more of a cut and run leaving a vacuum for other countries to fill like China and Russia 

[Chomper Higgot]

Capitulation, doing favors for America’s foes and despots putting $ in his families pockets and padding the inevitable consequences on to the Biden administration.

 

 

[Luuk Chaai]

kind of sums it all up !

[thaipo7]

Chomper Higgot sure has a better picture to what is going on than TUG.  Tug is blinded by what I don't know.  Trump made American strong and thus our adversaries sure acted much differently than under the weak ass leader in the WH now.  Did Trump take $30 million from the Chinese.  Did any of Trump family take money from China, Russia, or Ukraine?  Biden was responsible the botched exit from Afghanistan.  Dumb ass Biden closes Bagram AB BEFORE withdrawing equipment and all the American citizens and those who worked closely with us, and were trained by us.  The Stalinist media has not told the truth on Biden and Blinken's failure in Afghanistan.  One thing that Biden and the Democrats will not do is fire their failed people that he put in place.  Both Millie and Austin she have been fired.  No need for 13 American to die at the end.  They took a complete failure and called it a success.  And the media dutifully complied with the narrative Biden wanted.  Yes, a success to all our enemies oh how weak Biden has made the USA.  Who did the mayor of Moscow send $3.5 million to?  Hunter or Trump?  Who headed the AG office that allowed the Statute Of Limitations run out so Hunter will not pay taxes on about $3 million dollars while dad shouts "Everyone should pay their fair share?"  I wonder what TUG has been sucking up lately?  Surely not smart pills.  Who is funding Iran to the tune of billions of dollars.  Biden has.  Who is withholding weapons Israel needs to eliminate the Hamas terrorists.  Biden is.  He should be Impeached for this.  He has no authority to withhold weapons that Israel has paid for.  NONE.  There were no wars under Trump's watch.  Kim was not firing missiles near Japan or at S Korea under Trump.  Tug - you are too under educated to be making remarks about Trump's abilities, when the world has seen how lame Biden is as a leader.  For 50 years Biden has always been on the wrong side of history and you have been on the wrong side of those that know how to keep the peace and not buckle to our enemies.  McCain tried to warn us on how bad Blinken would be is his position.  I am not a fan of McCain, but he called this one right.   So much more I could add.

[Purdey]

While I wouldn't put down the fact there was peace during his presidency, for whatever reasons, I wonder if foreign policy is really a major talking point for the election. I get the feeling the national economy is a bigger issue.

[Thingamabob]

8 hours ago, Tug said:

I beg to differ trumps policy of sucking up to putin and the squandering of years of work for a cheap photo op with little Kim says the opposite.trump is more of a cut and run leaving a vacuum for other countries to fill like China and Russia 

Rubbish.

[Hanaguma]

37 minutes ago, Purdey said:

While I wouldn't put down the fact there was peace during his presidency, for whatever reasons, I wonder if foreign policy is really a major talking point for the election. I get the feeling the national economy is a bigger issue.

You are probably right.  I can't see Trump and Biden getting into it at the debate next week over foreign policy. IMHO the big topics are the economy and immigration, with crime and safety dropping by as well.  

 

Biden will point to various statistics touted by economists, Trump will go 'kitchen table' on the economy. Immigration can be Biden's biggest nemesis.  Biden will need to side track into abortion and 'convicted felon' if he wants to succeed.

[Chomper Higgot]

40 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

Chomper Higgot sure has a better picture to what is going on than TUG.  Tug is blinded by what I don't know.  Trump made American strong and thus our adversaries sure acted much differently than under the weak ass leader in the WH now.  Did Trump take $30 million from the Chinese.  Did any of Trump family take money from China, Russia, or Ukraine?  Biden was responsible the botched exit from Afghanistan.  Dumb ass Biden closes Bagram AB BEFORE withdrawing equipment and all the American citizens and those who worked closely with us, and were trained by us.  The Stalinist media has not told the truth on Biden and Blinken's failure in Afghanistan.  One thing that Biden and the Democrats will not do is fire their failed people that he put in place.  Both Millie and Austin she have been fired.  No need for 13 American to die at the end.  They took a complete failure and called it a success.  And the media dutifully complied with the narrative Biden wanted.  Yes, a success to all our enemies oh how weak Biden has made the USA.  Who did the mayor of Moscow send $3.5 million to?  Hunter or Trump?  Who headed the AG office that allowed the Statute Of Limitations run out so Hunter will not pay taxes on about $3 million dollars while dad shouts "Everyone should pay their fair share?"  I wonder what TUG has been sucking up lately?  Surely not smart pills.  Who is funding Iran to the tune of billions of dollars.  Biden has.  Who is withholding weapons Israel needs to eliminate the Hamas terrorists.  Biden is.  He should be Impeached for this.  He has no authority to withhold weapons that Israel has paid for.  NONE.  There were no wars under Trump's watch.  Kim was not firing missiles near Japan or at S Korea under Trump.  Tug - you are too under educated to be making remarks about Trump's abilities, when the world has seen how lame Biden is as a leader.  For 50 years Biden has always been on the wrong side of history and you have been on the wrong side of those that know how to keep the peace and not buckle to our enemies.  McCain tried to warn us on how bad Blinken would be is his position.  I am not a fan of McCain, but he called this one right.   So much more I could add.

I was going to suggest paragraphs, then I realized it wasn’t so much a post, rather more of a dump.

[Eric Loh]

Trump’s foreign policy is binary - personal gain. 

[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump’s peace-through-strength policy is more urgent than ever

No thank you.

On May 20, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signed a series of letters of intent for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to purchase arms from the United States totaling US$110 billion immediately, and $350 billion over 10 years. Wikipedia

[JonnyF]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

In summary, the principle of peace through strength remains a vital framework for U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s approach demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy, achieving significant peacemaking successes and maintaining deterrence against adversaries. As the U.S. navigates ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly with China, a renewed commitment to this policy could ensure continued peace and stability.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

A return to peace under Trump or continued war mongering under Biden. Choose wisely America.

[wwest5829]

11 hours ago, Tug said:

I beg to differ trumps policy of sucking up to putin and the squandering of years of work for a cheap photo op with little Kim says the opposite.trump is more of a cut and run leaving a vacuum for other countries to fill like China and Russia 

 

[nauseus]

11 hours ago, Tug said:

I beg to differ trumps policy of sucking up to putin and the squandering of years of work for a cheap photo op with little Kim says the opposite.trump is more of a cut and run leaving a vacuum for other countries to fill like China and Russia 

 

Yet there were no vacuum openings until Biden got to work.  

[nauseus]

11 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Capitulation, doing favors for America’s foes and despots putting $ in his families pockets and padding the inevitable consequences on to the Biden administration.

 

 

 

That's easy for you to say. Way too easy.

[nauseus]

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I was going to suggest paragraphs, then I realized it wasn’t so much a post, rather more of a dump.

 

Grandma police.

[nauseus]

7 minutes ago, MrJ2U said:

Trump is in Putin's hand.

 

Trump is a total traitor and should be hung by his tiny convicted rapist balls.

 

Foolish falacy.

[placeholder]

3 hours ago, Hanaguma said:

You are probably right.  I can't see Trump and Biden getting into it at the debate next week over foreign policy. IMHO the big topics are the economy and immigration, with crime and safety dropping by as well.  

 

Biden will point to various statistics touted by economists, Trump will go 'kitchen table' on the economy. Immigration can be Biden's biggest nemesis.  Biden will need to side track into abortion and 'convicted felon' if he wants to succeed.

Not surprising that you would label the abortion issue a sidetrack. 

The thing is, lots of voters still don't understand Trump's responsibility for appointing 3 of the 5 justices who overturned Roe.

Despite Trump appointing three of the Supreme Court justices that were part of the majority that overturned the constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade, most voters don’t hold him responsible for rising abortion restrictions nationwide, according to the results of a new poll released Monday. 

The poll, conducted in December by the progressive think tank and polling firm Data for Progress, found that less than a quarter of voters overall (only 36 percent of Democrats—and, oddly, only 11 percent of Republicans) see Trump as “responsible for new bans or restrictions on abortions in states across the U.S.” So who do voters hold more responsible? Republicans in state office (33 percent), Republicans in Congress (34 percent), and the Supreme Court (50 percent).

https://archive.ph/UpOC8

 

Once the campaign season is fully underway, wait until they get a load of this:

 

[Chomper Higgot]

20 minutes ago, nauseus said:

 

That's easy for you to say. Way too easy.

It’s easy to say because it’s factually correct.

[Hanaguma]

12 minutes ago, placeholder said:

Not surprising that you would label the abortion issue a sidetrack. 

The thing is, lots of voters still don't understand Trump's responsibility for appointing 3 of the 5 justices who overturned Roe.

Despite Trump appointing three of the Supreme Court justices that were part of the majority that overturned the constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade, most voters don’t hold him responsible for rising abortion restrictions nationwide, according to the results of a new poll released Monday. 

The poll, conducted in December by the progressive think tank and polling firm Data for Progress, found that less than a quarter of voters overall (only 36 percent of Democrats—and, oddly, only 11 percent of Republicans) see Trump as “responsible for new bans or restrictions on abortions in states across the U.S.” So who do voters hold more responsible? Republicans in state office (33 percent), Republicans in Congress (34 percent), and the Supreme Court (50 percent).

https://archive.ph/UpOC8

 

Once the campaign season is fully underway, wait until they get a load of this:

 

According to Statista, abortion is the 8th rank on the list of 'most important issues' to Americans.

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1362236/most-important-voter-issues-us/

 

So yeah, a side issue relative to others. 

[placeholder]

25 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

According to Statista, abortion is the 8th rank on the list of 'most important issues' to Americans.

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1362236/most-important-voter-issues-us/

 

So yeah, a side issue relative to others. 

As I pointed out, lots of misconceptions out there about Trump's responsibility for the issue so most voters may currently not see it as something political that depends on the outcome of the election. Let's wait and see what happens once the threat posed  to abortion by a Trump reelection is made clear.

[farangkinok]

29 minutes ago, placeholder said:

Trump appointing three of the Supreme Court justices that were part of the majority that overturned the constitutional right to abortion

 

 

Show us the "right to abortion" in the United States Constitution. You cannot, because it is not there. Roe v. Wade was a court case in 1973. It was not the first terrible decision made by a U.S. Supreme Court. The Dred Scott case was an earlier one. Just because the Supreme Court makes a decision, does NOT enshrine that ruling into the United States Constitution and make it a "constitutional right." The United States Constitution can only be changed by Amendments to the Constitution.

[placeholder]

Just now, farangkinok said:

Show us the "right to abortion" in the United States Constitution. You cannot, because it is not there. Roe v. Wade was a court case in 1973. It was not the first terrible decision made by a U.S. Supreme Court. The Dred Scott case was an earlier one. Just because the Supreme Court makes a decision, does NOT enshrine that ruling into the United States Constitution and make it a "constitutional right." The United States Constitution can only be changed by Amendments to the Constitution.

Whatever the merits of your argument may or may not be, it is irrelevant to abortion as an election issue.

[riclag]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

A return to peace under Trump or continued war mongering under Biden. Choose wisely America.

The foreign policy is second! 

Domestically , Traditional America is  at war

with a culture that chants death to its existence .

I dont recognize the dem party who would allow so much domestic and foreign chaos!

 

Voting against biden/any dem

1 open borders.

2 high prices for essentials of life

3 social disorder & crime optics

4 equity

5 woke

6 higher taxes 

7 unlimited abortion 

8 massive climate change spending

9 wars

 

 

methinks

 

 

[Hanaguma]

11 minutes ago, placeholder said:

As I pointed out, lots of misconceptions out there about Trump's responsibility for the issue so most voters may currently not see it as something political that depends on the outcome of the election. Let's wait and see what happens once the threat posed  to abortion by a Trump reelection is made clear.

So yeah, a sidetrack issue. Glad we agree.

[riclag]

12 minutes ago, farangkinok said:

Show us the "right to abortion" in the United States Constitution. You cannot, because it is not there. Roe v. Wade was a court case in 1973. It was not the first terrible decision made by a U.S. Supreme Court. The Dred Scott case was an earlier one. Just because the Supreme Court makes a decision, does NOT enshrine that ruling into the United States Constitution and make it a "constitutional right." The United States Constitution can only be changed by Amendments to the Constitution.

While your at it democracy isnt even  

on that paper! 
 

https://westhillscollege.com/lemoore/admissions/financial-aid/documents/constitution_day_facts.pdf

[nauseus]

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It’s easy to say because it’s factually correct.

 

Link time.

[Chomper Higgot]

49 minutes ago, nauseus said:

 

Link time.

Always a pleasure, but you’ll accept none of the evidence:

 

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/putin-didnt-have-to-push-the-kremlins-narrative-trump-did-it-for-him/

 

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/09/01/trump-taliban-peace-deal-afghanistan-prisoners/5673035001/

 

https://campaignlegal.org/update/trump-campaign-shell-corporation-funneled-617-million-according-reporting-based-clc

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-praises-kims-authoritarian-rule-says-i-want-my-people-to-do-the-same/2018/06/15/cea20aa2-70a5-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, riclag said:

The foreign policy is second! 

Domestically , Traditional America is  at war

with a culture that chants death to its existence .

I dont recognize the dem party who would allow so much domestic and foreign chaos!

 

Voting against biden/any dem

1 open borders.

2 high prices for essentials of life

3 social disorder & crime optics

4 equity

5 woke

6 higher taxes 

7 unlimited abortion 

8 massive climate change spending

9 wars

 

 

methinks

 

 

I take it you don’t have any money in the U.S. Stock Markets.

[nauseus]

4 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Always a pleasure, but you’ll accept none of the evidence:

 

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/putin-didnt-have-to-push-the-kremlins-narrative-trump-did-it-for-him/

 

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/09/01/trump-taliban-peace-deal-afghanistan-prisoners/5673035001/

 

https://campaignlegal.org/update/trump-campaign-shell-corporation-funneled-617-million-according-reporting-based-clc

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-praises-kims-authoritarian-rule-says-i-want-my-people-to-do-the-same/2018/06/15/cea20aa2-70a5-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html

 

No evidence in the first - just an opinion with no proof - enough time  wasted.