The Gray Area with Sean Illing The case for Trump’s foreign policy
Oct 12, 2020
In this discussion, guest Rebecca Heinrichs, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former congressional advisor, defends Donald Trump’s unique foreign policy approach. They explore how Trump disrupted long-standing bipartisan views on trade and international alliances, particularly regarding China’s rising threat. Heinrichs highlights Trump's focus on NATO contributions and scrutinizes his transactional strategies, asserting that his administration deserves credit for certain successes. The conversation navigates the complexities of U.S.-China relations and critiques the need for a cohesive grand strategy.
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Trump's Foreign Policy Focus
- Trump's foreign policy centers on competition and sees China as the primary threat.
- This is a departure from previous administrations that haven't fully recognized this.
Nature of the Chinese Threat
- China poses a long-term threat to the US, unlike the immediate threat of the Soviet Union.
- China's ideology clashes with Western values regarding trade and international relations.
China's Economic Influence
- China's economic size naturally grants it influence in global affairs.
- The US aims to prevent its decline by not letting China surpass it economically or militarily.
