Part 7/8:
The framing of Trump's foreign policy as isolationist fails to capture the nuances of his strategy, often described as punitive Jacksonian nationalism. Trump reacted decisively to threats, suggesting a belief that sometimes brute force is necessary to maintain global order. By contrast, Biden operates within a framework that emphasizes diplomacy, though this approach has raised concerns about its efficacy in confronting pressing global issues.
This review prompts a reevaluation of what it means to be isolationist versus engaged in a punitive fashion. Trump’s focus on America’s strategic interests sometimes placed him at odds with traditional allies, but it also catalyzed conversations regarding shared responsibilities within NATO.