Kori Schake, a senior fellow and director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute, critiques the implications of a potential second Trump presidency on U.S. foreign policy. She delves into the concept of 'conservative internationalism' and explores the historical missteps in American military interventions. Discussions include challenges posed by nations like China and Russia, inconsistencies in defense spending, and the precarious state of alliances. Schake advocates for a reformed approach that balances American strength with global responsibilities.
The podcast emphasizes the need for a conservative internationalism that strengthens American power while remaining engaged with global realities.
Critiques of U.S. military interventions reveal a disconnect between political objectives and resources, raising skepticism about future military commitments.
Deep dives
The Need for Conservative Internationalism
A shift toward conservative internationalism is proposed as a necessary response to America's changing global role. This perspective emphasizes strengthening American power while also being mindful of global implications. This approach advocates for a balanced foreign policy that acknowledges past mistakes without abandoning the principles of free trade and the promotion of democracy. The argument stresses that past errors do not negate the benefits of open markets, especially when fairly negotiated trade agreements can ensure compliance from all participants.
Lessons from Military Interventions
Critiques of recent military interventions highlight the disconnect between U.S. political objectives and the resources allocated to achieve them. The Iraq War is noted as a significant error resulting from decisions made in a climate of fear following the 9/11 attacks. These experiences create a credibility dilemma for future military action, particularly concerning emerging threats like North Korea. This situation has led to greater skepticism among the public regarding military actions, as the scale of engagement needed has not been matched by political commitment or resources.
Implications of a Potential Trump Foreign Policy
If former President Trump were to return to office, the implications for U.S. foreign policy could be destabilizing and economically disruptive. An 'America First' stance may lead to the questioning of longstanding alliances and provoke financial disputes regarding treaty commitments. Such a shift could also incite trade wars, disproportionately raising consumer costs and threatening the economy. Compounding these issues, Trump's approach could foster a mean-spirited foreign policy that undermines international cooperation and support.
Challenges of the Defense Industrial Base
The current state of the U.S. defense industrial base is described as critical, with a significant decline in the number of defense contractors and a pressing need for increased production capacity. Future military readiness is jeopardized by insufficient budget allocations that fail to reflect the growing global threats posed by adversaries like China and Russia. Moreover, a disconnect between defense planning and actual funding, such as the recent AUKUS agreement, exacerbates vulnerabilities within the military supply chain. Addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining national security and ensuring that the U.S. can effectively respond to emerging threats.
As the U.S. presidential election swings into high gear, speculation about a second-term Trump foreign policy is also becoming more intense. Would he push radical changes to policy on China, or Ukraine, or the war in Gaza? Can his campaign promises be taken at face value? Would he be reined in—by staff, Congress, or his own aversion to risk?
Kori Schake has been one of Trump’s fiercest critics among Republican foreign policy hands. Schake is a senior fellow and director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of Safe Passage: The Transition From British to American Hegemony. She served on the National Security Council and in the U.S. State Department under President George W. Bush. Yet even while warning of the consequences of a second Trump term, she shares the view that U.S. foreign policy needs to change—to align with what she calls a new conservative internationalism that would invest in American strength without neglecting the rest of the world.