Donald Trump is running a shadow foreign policy, which has the world on edge
News & Politics
Introduction
With just nine days remaining before the presidential election, it is increasingly evident that former President Donald Trump is orchestrating a shadow foreign policy. In the days leading up to Israel's recent retaliatory strike on Iran, Trump revealed at a rally in Georgia that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had contacted him twice in as many days. Trump, referring to Netanyahu as "BB," boasted about their conversations, during which he asserted that the Prime Minister sought his views on matters concerning the region.
This week, Trump emphasized his commitment to using force should Iran seek to develop a nuclear weapon—an intention he claimed to have had immediately after losing the 2020 election. He reportedly asked his top advisers about his options during an Oval Office meeting on this issue.
Trump's shadow foreign policy does not stop there; he is also believed to be in regular communication with Vladimir Putin, an important ally of Iran. In response to reports of multiple phone calls with Putin since leaving office, Trump claimed it would be "smart" if he did speak with the Russian leader, although he denied having those discussions. In a related note, U.S. intelligence agencies recently warned that Russia is actively working to benefit Trump in this election cycle, with reports indicating a range of influence efforts aimed at inciting violence and casting doubt on the legitimacy of American democracy. One alarming development involved Russian actors amplifying a fabricated video that depicted an individual tearing up ballots in Pennsylvania.
This pattern of Russian interference is not isolated to the United States. Moldova recently experienced what its president called "unprecedented Russian influence" during its elections, allegedly involving a multi-million dollar vote-buying scheme and plans for civil unrest surrounding a critical EU referendum that ultimately passed by a slim margin.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, a key Eastern European nation that Trump’s campaign has recently highlighted to encourage voter registration, the most consequential parliamentary election since gaining independence from the Soviet Union was held. The election saw the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party, led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, face off against a coalition of pro-Western opposition parties. Claims of election fraud, violence, intimidation, and bribery were rampant, leading to a controversial victory for Ivanishvili’s party. This outcome raises questions about Georgia's future relationship with the European Union and its alignment with Russia.
Terrell Star, host of "Black Diplomats" on YouTube and a reporter on the ground in Georgia with the support of the Pulitzer Center, spoke with voters regarding their thoughts on both the Georgian elections and the upcoming American presidential race. One voter expressed his resignation to the Russian influence in Georgia, accusing Georgian Dream of being under Moscow's control. When asked about the U.S. election, many voters expressed a preference for Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump, emphasizing concerns over Trump's ties to Putin.
Star's ongoing coverage from Georgia highlights the complexities of international politics and how intertwined domestic and foreign policies have become in shaping voter sentiment around the world.
Keyword
- Donald Trump
- Shadow foreign policy
- Israel
- Iran
- Netanyahu
- Vladimir Putin
- Russian influence
- Georgia
- Moldova
- European Union
FAQ
Q: What is the current state of U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump?
A: Donald Trump appears to be conducting a shadow foreign policy, particularly with Israel and Iran, while also engaging in communications with Vladimir Putin.
Q: How has Russia been involved in U.S. elections?
A: U.S. intelligence agencies have warned of various Russian influence efforts aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process, including the amplification of misinformation.
Q: What are the implications of Russian influence in elections outside the U.S.?
A: Other countries, such as Moldova and Georgia, have experienced significant Russian interference during their electoral processes, raising concerns about democratic integrity and future political alignments.
Q: How do Georgian voters view the options of Trump vs. Harris?
A: In recent interviews, Georgian voters expressed a preference for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, citing concerns about Trump's connections with Putin and Russian influence in their own country.