Diplomacy to Take a Backseat under Trump
“I strongly believe our leadership and our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. In a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership depends on all elements of our power, including strong and principled diplomacy.” — Barack Obama
“Nobody’s going to mess with us, folks. Nobody. It will be one of the greatest military buildups in American history,” — Donald Trump
Donald Trump appears ready to make his first move aimed at satiating conservatives’ voracious yearning for innumerable killing machines at the expense of the EPA, State Department and others.
The President’s preliminary budget outline will be delivered to federal agencies today according to The New York Times, and it reportedly includes a drastic increase in defense spending paid for in part by a proposed cut to the State Department’s budget somewhere in the realm of 30%.
The State Department defines its mission as:
The Department is responsible for promoting peace and stability in areas of vital interest to America, and helping developing nations establish stable economic environments. It is a source of support for American businesses abroad, working to achieve fair business practices in commerce, trade, manufacturing and other interests — while also identifying viable opportunities for American businesses.
It’s a questionable decision from an administration that appears to need as much diplomatic help as possible.
Trump’s international missteps have already sent administration officials on global PR treks, and his agenda contains ambitious goals to rework America’s position in the world. All of which which inherently necessitates a tender touch clearly not possessed by the President himself — to put it lightly.
To admit that, though, would be to admit that someone other than Donald himself has input of productive value to our country.
Instead, Donald seems intent on consolidating power within a small group of militaristic minded underlings, who have no problem perpetuating his self fulfilling prophecy as the sole patriarchal protector.
Don’t be fooled by the myth making.
The combination of a pitted State Department and a hawkish National Security Council is not a formula for success for a President who’s not exactly keen on independent intelligence.
Actually, it’s a calamity waiting to happen.
Take the South China Sea for example. The Trump administration said in January that it would consider barring China access to the islands it has built in the sea, and U.S. ships have already been deployed to the region since Trump took office.
Today’s budget proposal contains additional outlays for an increased naval presence in the controversial waterway.
These are incontrovertibly aggressive actions on the part of the United States, which won’t be ignored by China.
Excerpt from a Global Times editorial:
As long as the US does not carry out provocative moves in the waters, the South China Sea will be peaceful. If the US military insists on showing that it is capable of taming the China Dragon, they are bound to see all kinds of advanced Chinese weapons as well as other military deployments on the islands.
The South China Sea is not the Caribbean. It is not a place for the US to behave recklessly. US generals said they are ready to fight when necessary. The People’s Liberation Army is also making preparations. When diplomats make efforts for peaceful and friendly ties with other nations, it is believed that the Chinese army is always on the alert. Washington has a global military presence. How can China’s deployment of defense facilities on its own islands be treated as a threat?
This is not a fight the President wants to pick if he is as obsessed with winning as he leads us to believe. Unless Barron springs a Chinese finger trap on his dad’s lap before his weekly intelligence briefings, though, it’s unlikely we’ll see Donald keep his ego-driven fingers away from the Asian flashpoint. To counteract his typical compulsive behavior that often results in unintended (but sometimes entirely intentional) misgivings, a strong State Department presence is required. Whether it be as simple as furthering academic exchange, a commitment to a lasting relationship needs to preempt any aggressive ultimatum Trump has become known for being so fond of.
After all, what is defense without diplomacy? Without intelligence? And without rationality?
Not to mention, China should prove to be an invaluable ally in dealing with a North Korean government teetering on the brink of crisis.
Remember, preliminary budget proposals are just the first step in the negotiating process between the White House and government agencies, but Trump has not shown an affinity for compromise through his first 40 days.
