Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump made it clear during his policy speech in Saudi Arabia that the United States would no longer use its foreign policy to lecture other nations on human rights. Instead, his administration’s focus will be on economic partnerships and transactional diplomacy, a message consistent with his “America First” doctrine.
Commerce over ideology
During his first international visit in his second term, Trump praised Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts and emphasized that the future of the Middle East should be “defined by commerce, not chaos.” He denounced past US strategies rooted in nation-building and human rights enforcement, asserting that such efforts often worsened the conditions they intended to improve.
“The so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built,” Trump said, calling out past presidents for trying to “look into the souls” of foreign leaders. His endorsement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying, “I like him too much,” drew attention for its warmth, especially amid international concerns over the Prince’s human rights record.
Break from tradition
Trump’s approach represents a stark departure from previous administrations. While he softens stances on autocratic regimes like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Syria, his administration has criticized Germany’s treatment of far-right political parties and even supported white South African farmers seeking asylum in the US.
Experts noted that Trump has dispensed with even the symbolic gestures of promoting democratic values. “He doesn’t really even pay lip service to these ideals,” said Stephen Pomper of the International Crisis Group, reflecting on the shift.
Syria, new leadership and shifting alliances
In a surprising move, Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria, now that President Bashar al-Assad has been removed from power. He intends to meet with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite the leader’s controversial links to extremist groups. Some US lawmakers, including Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen, cautiously welcomed this shift as a chance to reduce Iranian and Russian influence in the region.
Saudi investments, future partnerships
Trump’s speech wasn’t just symbolic—it was backed by concrete deals. The White House confirmed that the US received investment commitments worth $600 billion from Saudi Arabia, reinforcing Trump’s belief in deal-making diplomacy.
“I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,” Trump concluded, signaling a pragmatic shift away from moral judgments toward strategic economic alliances.
