The Gray Area with Sean Illing The new(ish) world order
19 snips
Feb 19, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, Alex Ward, a national security reporter at Politico and author of 'The Internationalists', delves into the evolution of American foreign policy from WWII to today. He contrasts the approaches of the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting the complexities of their decisions and the implications for global governance. Ward discusses how shifting perceptions of U.S. roles arise from recent global dynamics and the challenges posed by threats like Russia and China, offering insightful perspectives on the future of American diplomacy.
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Post-WWII Foreign Policy
- American foreign policy has remained largely consistent since 1945, focused on free trade, military strength, and democracy promotion.
- This bipartisan consensus is now being challenged, particularly after the Trump administration.
American Self-Interest
- The post-1945 world order, while benefiting many globally, raises questions about its impact on average Americans.
- America's self-interest drove its foreign policy, aiming to create trading partners and prosperous nations for a safer world.
Trump's Challenge
- Trump challenged the post-World War II arrangement, arguing it no longer served the public.
- While globalization and free trade lifted many out of poverty, the benefits haven't been equally felt by all Americans.
