Donald Trump is back on the world stage, and he’s bringing his business-first approach to foreign policy. This week, he laid out his vision for making deals to improve global relations, particularly in the Middle East. His focus is clear: business transactions over traditional diplomatic discussions. Critics say this approach is transactional and lacks moral grounding, especially since Trump is not pushing autocratic leaders on issues like human rights.
During his recent tour in the Middle East, Trump emphasized that previous U.S. administrations made mistakes by trying to change these countries into more Western-style democracies. Instead, he believes that making deals is the way to win support and create stability. This method raises questions about whether it can be applied to other global conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In his dealings, Trump has not shied away from controversial figures. For example, he met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al Sharaa, who has been seeking closer ties with the U.S. Reports suggest that Sharaa is interested in a Trump Tower in Damascus and other business ventures. Trump’s willingness to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria could be part of a broader strategy to bring the country into the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
The question now is whether this business-first strategy can help end the conflict in Ukraine. Trump has signed a minerals deal with Ukraine that has reportedly made him more sympathetic to their situation. This comes as frustration grows with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire. However, Russia has its own resources and wealth to offer, which could complicate matters.
As Trump pushes for a more business-oriented approach, many are left wondering if this will lead to lasting peace or further entrench existing tensions. The dynamics of global politics are shifting, and Trump’s unique style could change how international relations are conducted in the future.