Trump's foreign policy: Strongmen on speed dial, allies and partners on notice
US President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in foreign policy, prioritizing personal relationships with strongmen over traditional institutional alliances. This approach includes endorsing a new defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey while reducing military commitments to South Korea, creating uncertainty for partners like India.
Why it matters
This represents a significant departure from established US geopolitical strategy, potentially destabilizing long-standing alliances and altering the balance of power in South Asia and the Middle East.
TOI correspondent from Washington: Forget bombing Iran to end it as a civilization, US President Donald Trump on Sunday dropped bombshells on America's allies and partners, including India, to send a disquieting message: good ties with Washington may no longer guarantee its support in return.Within hours of each other, Trump warmly endorsed a new defence pact linking Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey while ordering a substantial reduction in US-South Korean military exercises, explicitly invoking his “very good relationship” with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
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