The Foreign Affairs Interview

Has the United States Gone Rogue?

43 snips
May 15, 2025
Michael Beckley, an associate professor of political science at Tufts University and an analyst of American grand strategy, discusses the evolution of U.S. foreign policy in a rapidly changing world. He argues that America has become a 'rogue superpower,' acting aggressively without clear internationalist or isolationist aims. Beckley highlights the risks of unilateralism, especially in relations with China and allies. He emphasizes the need for a new global order based on shared democratic values, and the importance of rebuilding trust and collaboration in international alliances.
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INSIGHT

Trump's Real Estate-Style Diplomacy

  • Trump's foreign policy resembles a real estate tactic of starting with extreme demands to negotiate down.
  • This reflects deeper long-term American shifts towards a more aggressive, self-interested power posture.
INSIGHT

Paradox of American Power

  • Despite domestic dysfunction, America retains massive latent global power through economic size, alliances, and military capabilities.
  • This paradox of strength amid dysfunction leads to many foreign policy contradictions, like "hollow internationalism."
INSIGHT

Domestic Basis for Hollow Internationalism

  • U.S. geographic and social openness generates diverse interests, polarization, and makes coherent foreign policy difficult.
  • This leads to "hollow internationalism" where demands are made, but resources to back them are lacking.
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