Trump’s foreign policy speech today was “not exactly coherent.” Try to follow along:
“I would like to talk today about how to develop a new foreign policy direction for our country – one that replaces randomness with purpose…” “We’re going to finally have a coherent foreign policy based upon American interests, and the shared interests of our allies.” “The best way to achieve those goals is through a disciplined, deliberate and consistent foreign policy.” |
“We must as, a nation, be more unpredictable.” |
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“I would like to talk today about how to develop a new foreign policy direction for our country – one that replaces…, ideology with strategy….” “It all began with the dangerous idea that we could make Western democracies out of countries that had no experience or interest in becoming a Western Democracy.” “We tore up what institutions they had and then were surprised at what we unleashed. Civil war, religious fanaticism; thousands of American lives, and many trillions of dollars, were lost as a result. The vacuum was created that ISIS would fill. Iran, too, would rush in and fill the void, much to their unjust enrichment.” “We are getting out of the nation-building business, and instead focusing on creating stability in the world.” “In the Middle East, our goals must be to defeat terrorists and promote regional stability, not radical change.” |
“Containing the spread of radical Islam must be a major foreign policy goal of the United States.” “Finally, I will work with our allies to reinvigorate Western values and institutions. Instead of trying to spread “universal values” that not everyone shares, we should understand that strengthening and promoting Western civilization and its accomplishments will do more to inspire positive reforms around the world than military interventions.” “Events may require the use of military force. But it’s also a philosophical struggle, like our long struggle in the Cold War.” “America will continually play the role of peacemaker.” “We will always help to save lives and, indeed, humanity itself.” |
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“America First will be the major and overriding theme of my administration.” “Americans must know that we are putting the American people first again. On trade, on immigration, on foreign policy – the jobs, incomes and security of the American worker will always be my first priority.” |
“I will seek a foreign policy that all Americans, whatever their party, can support, and which our friends and allies will respect and welcome.” |
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“We have spent trillions of dollars over time – on planes, missiles, ships, equipment – building up our military to provide a strong defense for Europe and Asia. The countries we are defending must pay for the cost of this defense – and, if not, the U.S. must be prepared to let these countries defend themselves.” “Our allies must contribute toward the financial, political and human costs of our tremendous security burden. But many of them are simply not doing so. They look at the United States as weak and forgiving and feel no obligation to honor their agreements with us.” “And we must only be generous to those that prove they are our friends.” “We will no longer surrender this country, or its people, to the false song of globalism.” “The nation-state remains the true foundation for happiness and harmony. I am skeptical of international unions that tie us up and bring America down, and will never enter America into any agreement that reduces our ability to control our own affairs.” “We will no longer surrender this country, or its people, to the false song of globalism.” |
“We’ve picked fights with our oldest friends, and now they’re starting to look elsewhere for help.” “President Obama gutted our missile defense program, then abandoned our missile defense plans with Poland and the Czech Republic.” “At the same time, your friends need to know that you will stick by the agreements that you have with them.” “America is going to be a reliable friend and ally again.” |
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“Our resources are overextended.” “A superpower understands that caution and restraint are signs of strength.” |
“We’ve let our rivals and challengers think they can get away with anything.” “We will spend what we need to rebuild our military. It is the cheapest investment we can make. We will develop, build and purchase the best equipment known to mankind. Our military dominance must be unquestioned.” “Our power will be used if others do not play by the rules.” “Our friends and enemies must know that if I draw a line in the sand, I will enforce it.” “America will continually play the role of peacemaker.” “We will always help to save lives and, indeed, humanity itself.” |