Realist or Just Anti-Liberal? Trump's Foreign Policy in Retrospect

Abstract

Donald Trump's foreign policy has been characterized as realist. His “America First” theme, economic nationalism, and scorn for traditional alliances and international norms are alleged evidence. But was Trump's foreign policy realist? Instead, it is better seen as anti-liberal. Trump was most realist in his recognition of China as a great power rival not committed to liberal values. But he was also a protectionist. With respect to Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and various international issues, Trump's foreign policy was decidedly more anti-liberal than realist. The shocking event of January 6, 2021 suggests that Trump's foreign policy be re-evaluated in a different light: Trump sought to promote anti-liberal values abroad in order to advance them at home. This article evaluates Trump's foreign policy in light of these two theoretical perspectives.