America in Retreat : Foreign Policy under Donald Trump Hardback

by Mel Gurtov

Part of the World Social Change series

Hardback

Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks

Description

This deeply researched book offers a comprehensive analysis of the domestic politics and international consequences of Trumpâ€™s foreign policy.

Mel Gurtov provides detailed case studies of policy toward key countries and regions, including China, Russia, North Korea, Europe, and the Middle East.

He makes a vigorous argument, centered on human-interest priorities and values, for rejecting a foreign policy of neglect and ineptness when it comes to the major issues of our times: climate change, Chinaâ€™s rise, multiple US wars, human rights, authoritarian leadership, and nuclear weapons.

Gurtov argues that Trump is a nationalist and illiberal populist whose policy views have been molded chiefly by his business practices, leading to an obsession with â€œwinning,â€ elevation of ego and loyalty over expertise, and preference for threats over diplomacy.

Trump holds to a few simple ideas about the US role in the world: too expensive, too subject to other countries and institutions, and too influenced by â€œglobalistâ€ concerns such as democracy, climate crisis, human rights, and the rule of law. Trump will leave a deeply negative mark on the reputation and credibility of the United States, and on its policy-making process.

But Gurtov concludes that a liberal successor should be able to reverse the worst features of the Trump era and restore foreign policy to its true purpose: exemplifying Americaâ€™s commitment to humane and democratic governance and cooperative economic relations with allies and economic partners.