In Conversation with David Frum: Trump’s predatory foreign policy
The Hub Canada, with Sean Speer
David Frum breaks down Trump’s recent aggressive moves against U.S. allies, focusing on how his “my way or else” approach to foreign policy is damaging important relationships. Great discussion about how Trump’s predatory style could hurt our alliances and our economy, and what this might mean for America’s role in the world.
“This is not isolationism; this is a predatory attitude toward the rest of the world.”
Summary:
In this insightful conversation, David Frum discusses how recent tensions between the Trump administration and Colombia illustrate broader concerns about U.S. foreign policy. Using Colombia as a case study, Frum explains how Trump’s approach to deportation flights created unnecessary diplomatic friction with a key regional partner, highlighting a pattern of alienating allies through confrontational tactics and disregard for diplomatic norms.
Frum emphasizes that while core U.S. alliances with countries like Canada and Denmark may endure, Trump’s approach risks undermining decades of carefully built relationships with nations that have options for other partnerships, particularly in regions critical to balancing China’s influence. He characterizes Trump’s foreign policy not as isolationist but as “predatory,” citing examples like the Greenland purchase attempt and provocative comments about Canada.
The discussion explores how this approach could have significant economic consequences, as demonstrated by the delicate trade relationships between Colombia and the U.S. in sectors like cut flowers and agricultural products. Frum warns that undermining international partnerships could advantage China, which offers infrastructure and economic cooperation with fewer conditions attached.
Particularly relevant amid current discussions of potential tariffs on Canada, the interview underscores how Trump’s second term could see fewer restraints on his confrontational impulses, with important implications for international trade and diplomatic relationships.
This conversation offers valuable insights into the potential costs of abandoning long-standing diplomatic norms and the importance of maintaining strong international alliances in an increasingly competitive global environment.
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If you enjoy the interview above, you might also like this one, from two weeks ago: In Conversation with David Frum: Trump’s growing threats to Canada
