U.S. Foreign Policy in Transition

After more than 70 years as the standard-bearer of multilateral engagement and constructive diplomacy, the United States is undergoing a dramatic foreign policy shift that has led some to question whether the nation is giving up its global authority. Departing from the approach of previous presidents, who tended to cooperate with allies through multilateral agreements to promote democracy, free trade and environmental protection, President Trump is championing an “America First” policy aimed at protecting U.S. jobs and interests. Preferring to rely on his instincts and personal rapport rather than professional diplomats, he has ended U.S. participation in several major international treaties, praised authoritarian leaders and waged a trade war against key economic partners. Trump's supporters say he is using America's economic and political might to its advantage and trying to prod uncooperative allies — particularly in Europe — to do more to protect their own security interests. But critics say Trump's conduct has isolated the United States internationally and undermined the nation's claim to moral leadership.