by Herb Rothschild

My online search for foreign views of President Donald Trump since his inauguration was hampered by the language barrier and paywalls. Still, I noticed something that seems worth passing on — the frequent occurrence of the word “transactional.”

Here are two instances: “Trump’s politics are transactional in a way that’s never been more overt and the game is no longer about validating or caring for existing relationships, whether allies or not. The U.S. has just reset to ‘pay to play’ for everyone — including Japan, which must take notice after decades of a softer approach focused on values and mutual interests” (The Japan Times, Jan. 28). “Trump is changing U.S. foreign policy by focusing on deals rather than alliances. His approach is transactional, viewing international relations as business deals” (The Times of India, Feb. 28).

That contrast between narrowly self-interested dealmaking and policy based on a concept of the kind of world the U.S. wants is a helpful lens through which to view Trump’s behavior toward other countries. It explains actions that might otherwise appear merely capricious or intemperate.   

Read the entire article at Ashland.News