The Diplomat: US Allies in the Age of Trump

Barack Obama had emphasized a “pivot to Asia," but the Trump administration promotes "America First" policies. US allies in the region will listen closely during Donald Trump’s 12-day trip to Asia for any signals on priorities. His policies, especially termination of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and baiting of Kim Jong Un in North Korea, do not align with the allies’ interests, explains Robert Dujarric for the Diplomat: “‘America First’ is the polar opposite of what is logical for an economic, military, and ideological universal superpower.” Many Trump initiatives may have hit obstacles, but the allies must plan for extreme swings in US policies by enhancing regional and global security on their own; intensifying diplomacy, and increasing financial and political support for the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and other international institutions. A more extreme approach to influencing the US, Dujarric concludes: “allies could initiate a Marshall Plan for the United States, funding infrastructure, health programs, and other initiatives…. focusing on individual states.” – YaleGlobal