Days ago, Trump claimed he had received assurances from Putin that the war would end, as the Russian leader is supposedly interested in peace. After years of frozen relations between Washington and Moscow, Trump is expected to hold his first meeting with Putin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
By Xhelal Neziri
A McKinley-Inspired Doctrine
Following his 2016 presidential victory, Donald Trump’s first term began with a meeting with Henry Kissinger, a key advocate of realpolitik. This set the stage for Trump’s foreign policy doctrine, which emphasized pragmatic realism over interventionism. Now, as he eyes a return to the White House, Trump appears to be drawing inspiration from another historical figure: William McKinley, the 25th U.S. president known for his expansionist policies and protectionist economic strategies.
McKinley’s tenure saw the U.S. gain control over former Spanish colonies such as Guam, the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. His high-tariff policies boosted domestic economic growth. Similarly, Trump has hinted at a revival of economic protectionism and a hardline geopolitical stance, particularly in his approach to global conflicts and trade relations.
A Shift in American Foreign Policy
Each U.S. president has left a distinct mark on foreign policy:
Clinton Doctrine focused on humanitarian intervention, particularly in the Balkans.
Bush Doctrine embraced unilateralism and preemptive strikes.
Obama Doctrine prioritized diplomacy over direct confrontation.
Biden Doctrine combined diplomacy with strategic force, aiming to unite the West against autocratic regimes.
Now, Trump’s second-term doctrine appears centered on “using power for peace”—a blend of economic pressure, military deterrence, and diplomatic maneuvering. This aligns with his America First ideology, prioritizing national interests while engaging selectively in global conflicts.
Trump-Putin Talks: A New Approach to the War in Ukraine?
Trump’s planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Riyadh signals a dramatic shift in U.S.-Russia relations. While the exact agenda remains unclear, reports suggest that Trump may offer Putin guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO—a long-standing Russian demand.
One of Trump’s key bargaining tools is economic: threatening to flood the oil market by pressuring Saudi Arabia and OPEC to ramp up production. This could drastically lower global oil prices, severely impacting Russia’s revenue, which relies heavily on energy exports.
Additionally, a controversial “territory for peace” proposal—reminiscent of the 1940 Russo-Finnish war resolution—has surfaced. Such a deal could involve territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for a ceasefire, setting a precedent for other global disputes, including those in the Balkans.
With the stakes this high, Trump’s evolving doctrine and negotiations with Putin could reshape the global order, particularly in regions historically prone to conflict.
