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Home / Grand strategy / What is Trump’s “new realism” in foreign policy?
Grand strategy, Americas, China, Great power competition

July 4, 2025

What is Trump’s “new realism” in foreign policy?

By Lyle Goldstein

It’s relatively straightforward that the second Trump administration is pursuing some form of foreign policy realism, but what particular sect remains a hotly debated topic. Signs are tentatively pointing toward a “spheres of influence-type” brand of realpolitik, and that could be positive for global peace and stability.

One close observer of Trumpian politics recently characterized this new approach as simply prolific “deal-making,” which has placed a businessman’s imprimatur on the “new realism.” As foreign policy experts are well aware, “realism” encompasses a rich tradition of thinking on diplomacy and war that spans millennia, dating back to the Greek historian Thucydides, a thinker whose ideas continue to inform the contemporary Washington dilemma regarding China policy.

Read at National Interest

Author

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

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