Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has contributed an article to Foreign Affairs magazine, discussing the international challenges that former President Donald Trump may face if he begins a second term. McConnell outlines a world where U.S. interests are increasingly threatened by adversarial powers.

He writes, “When he begins his second term as president, Donald Trump will inherit a world far more hostile to U.S. interests than the one he left behind four years ago.” McConnell points to China’s military and economic expansion, Russia's war in Ukraine, and Iran's activities in the Middle East as significant concerns.

McConnell criticizes the current administration's approach: “The Biden administration sought to manage these threats through engagement and accommodation." He argues that this strategy has not deterred countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from challenging the existing international order.

He warns against isolationist tendencies within both conservative and liberal circles in Washington: “Even though the competition with China and Russia is a global challenge, Trump will no doubt hear from some that he should prioritize a single theater.” According to McConnell, focusing solely on Asia could lead to neglecting important commitments in Europe or the Middle East.

McConnell emphasizes the need for robust U.S. leadership grounded in military strength: “Trump would be wise to build his foreign policy on the enduring cornerstone of U.S. leadership: hard power.” He calls for increased defense spending and reforms to maintain military superiority.

In conclusion, McConnell stresses rejecting calls for reduced American primacy: “America will not be made great again by those who simply want to manage its decline.”