Trump and the Remaking of American Grand Strategy: The Shift from Open Door Globalism to Economic Nationalism

Trump has succeeded in remaking America's grand strategy by adopting neo-mercantilist economic nationalism based on an 'America First' redefinition of US sovereignty and national interests. This shift has broken with Open Door Globalism, which was a strategy of economic expansionism through the promotion of open markets across the globe. Biden has not returned to Open Door Globalism but has doubled down on some aspects of the Trumpian economic nationalist break.

Format: Hardback
Length: 161 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of Trump's foreign policy, providing a thorough analysis of its nature, assessing the extent to which it departed from the policies of preceding presidencies, and elucidating the underlying factors that led to this transformative shift. Our argument revolves around the notion that Trump has successfully reimagined America's grand strategy by dismantling the long-standing framework of Open Door Globalism, a strategy characterized by economic expansionism and the promotion of open markets across the globe. This strategy, which had been institutionalized as a US-led liberal world order, has been profoundly disrupted by Trump's adoption of a neo-mercantilist economic nationalism approach, driven by an "America First" redefinition of US sovereignty and national interests.

To understand the profound implications of this Trumpian shift in US foreign policy, we delve into the social origins of the foreign policy-making elites. We examine their agency, considering both their embeddedness in elite networks and the evolving global and domestic contexts that shape their decision-making. This analysis sheds light on the factors that drove Trump to adopt a more nationalist approach, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this shift presents for the United States in the international arena.

It is important to note that while Trump has made significant changes to US foreign policy, Biden's administration has not returned to the principles of Open Door Globalism. Instead, it has taken a more nuanced approach, combining elements of the Trumpian economic nationalist break with a commitment to international cooperation and engagement. This reflects the complex and evolving nature of global politics, where policymakers are navigating a rapidly changing world and are compelled to adapt their policies to meet the evolving demands and challenges of the 21st century.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of Trump's foreign policy. By examining the social origins of the foreign policy-making elites, assessing the extent to which it departed from previous policies, and explaining the underlying factors that drove this shift, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the United States faces in the global arena. As we navigate the complex and rapidly changing world, it is essential to remain informed and engaged in the discussions surrounding foreign policy to ensure that the United States continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of the world.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 151 x 218 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031346910
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023