17 July 2026

Why Trump Seems Confused By His Own War

Persuasion | Sam Kahn

Donald Trump and his administration have initiated a major foreign policy shift by adopting a doctrine of "flexible realism" that prioritises raw power and national self-interest over international law. This strategic transition has driven aggressive U.S. interventions in Venezuela, Iran, and Cuba, despite the president appearing personally detached from the escalating conflicts.

This doctrinal pivot reflects a broader global retreat from the rules-based international order, accelerated by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Israel's subsequent multi-front military campaigns. Codified in the 2026 National Defense Strategy, this "hard-nosed realism" discards multilateral justifications in favour of unilateral calculations of national interest. While proponents argue this approach effectively counters the geopolitical maneuvers of rival great powers, critics warn that unbridled power politics risk severe long-term instability and strategic overextension. Ultimately, the administration's aggressive posture leaves the nation navigating high-stakes regional conflicts without clear diplomatic exit ramps.

Comment
Great power competition now demands a ruthless focus on national self-interest. Middle powers must adapt quickly to this transactional environment. Traditional security alliances will likely fracture under the weight of unilateral actions. Strategic autonomy remains the only viable path for sovereign nations today.

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