Trump's Interventionist Internationalism Challenges European Order

Key Quotes

"President Trump I think has one of his biggest foreign policy successes at that NATO summit in the Hague convincing the other 31 to collectively move to this 5 and you see it today the Europeans stepping up when it comes to weapons into Ukraine buying from America when it comes to coming together discussing whatever they can do in terms of security assurances for Ukraine post ceasefire slash peace deal this is all evidence Europeans are stepping up under president Trump's leadership."

This quote highlights a specific foreign policy achievement attributed to President Trump by NATO leader Mark Rutte. Rutte points to Trump's success in persuading European allies to increase their defense spending and support for Ukraine, framing it as a significant accomplishment. The interpretation suggests that Rutte's praise may be strategic, potentially aimed at garnering Trump's favor.

"The Republican side is going to follow that JD Vance model about Europe in that Europe is a teetering ally not because of any sort of policy changes at the United States but because of demographic changes in their countries."

Sarah Isgur explains a potential Republican foreign policy approach towards Europe, as exemplified by JD Vance. She suggests that this perspective views Europe as an unreliable ally due to internal demographic shifts rather than external U.S. policy actions. Isgur characterizes this rhetoric as "cataclysmic" and identifies Vance as a potential heir to Donald Trump's political stance.

"The United States under leaders of both parties have a long history of trying to influence the politics of other nations. Democrats have done it, Republicans have done it. We just didn't expect it from him. Right? I don't think we expected it from him and I don't think we expected it in the way that he's doing it right by openly questioning whether or not our long standing alliances should even continue."

Mo Elleithee discusses the unexpected nature of President Trump's foreign policy approach. He acknowledges that U.S. leaders from both parties have historically influenced other nations, but emphasizes that Trump's method, particularly his questioning of long-standing alliances, is unprecedented. Elleithee suggests this approach deviates from traditional American internationalism.

"The most insulted I have ever been in DC is when someone treats me like they're never going to see me again because that's like the ultimate insult like you're not going to last in this town. I would I wouldn't treat someone that way because it's unlikely to be true."

Sarah Isgur reflects on the transient nature of relationships in Washington D.C. She expresses that being treated as if one will never be seen again is the most insulting experience, implying that such an attitude is short-sighted in a town where people frequently interact. Isgur suggests that maintaining professional relationships is more pragmatic given the cyclical nature of D.C. politics.

"The magic is when you find that song that everybody right don't stop believing by journey that one oh like everybody just comes together and for a moment you're all like in this one thing and this is true whether you're in a inner city karaoke bar in Detroit or in rural West Virginia listening to very different kind of music singing very different kind of music you still see the same people right the same groups the same people dealing with their own thing but still coming together and that and it's just when I was working on a campaign it was a really hard campaign and I would go by myself at the end of the night and I would look around and it just you see people you see slices of America and it's really nice."

Mo Elleithee describes the unifying power of karaoke. He explains that shared musical experiences, like singing "Don't Stop Believin'," can bring diverse groups of people together, fostering a sense of community. Elleithee finds value in observing these moments of connection and seeing "slices of America" in various karaoke settings, especially during challenging times.

"The earth is filled with wonder and I think it's much easier to feel gratitude whether you're at the Lincoln Memorial or at karaoke or looking at the woolly bear to realize everything outside of yourself."

Sarah Isgur shares her perspective on finding gratitude through observing the natural world. She suggests that focusing on elements outside of oneself, such as birds or microscopic creatures like woolly bears, can provide a sense of wonder and perspective. Isgur believes this outward focus helps individuals appreciate the world and their place within it.