The Emerging Trump Doctrine in the Middle East
By Grant Rumley
Washington Institute for Near East Policy
- President Trump's second term, marked by a new cabinet and a dramatically changed global landscape (e.g., ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, intensified competition with China), is distinct from his first, yet maintains core themes like immigration and competition with China while escalating concerns about traditional allies and overseas military commitments.
- An emerging "Trump Doctrine" in foreign policy prioritizes minimizing or ending conflicts, limiting sustained American military commitments, and maximizing economic benefits abroad, as evidenced by his statements and the recent Middle East trip.
- This doctrine's practical application in the Middle East includes pressing for negotiated peace deals (e.g., Gaza, Iran nuclear program), using limited military force (e.g., Houthi campaign), and securing multi-trillion dollar economic agreements with Gulf partners, notably framed to counter China's influence.
