Foreign Policy Live Is Trump’s Middle East Policy a Break From the Past?
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May 23, 2025 F. Gregory Gause, a Middle East expert and professor emeritus, dives into Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip. They discuss Trump's departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy and the rise of Gulf monarchies. Gause highlights new economic partnerships, including tech deals, and critiques past American interventions. The conversation also touches on the shifting alliances in the region, particularly towards Iran and Israel, and explores the complex geopolitical landscape influenced by local dynamics and international relations.
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Economic Focus in Middle East Tour
- Trump's Middle East tour prioritized economic dealmaking with Gulf monarchies rich in sovereign wealth funds.
- The AI and chip deals were surprisingly extensive and sudden compared to previous administrations.
Money Drives Gulf Relations
- Trump's vision focuses on economic deals with Gulf states due to their financial capacity.
- Gulf monarchies are comfortable mixing private business with public affairs for mutual benefit.
End of American Lectures
- Trump's "no more lectures" speech in Riyadh reflects American fatigue with interventionism.
- Saudis welcomed this stance as it aligned with their preference to avoid political pressure on freedoms and rights.