Source: Washington Post
by Jason Willick
“The divide between ‘realists’ and ‘idealists’ in foreign policy is simplistic but useful. Realists think the purpose of American foreign policy is to protect the country’s physical security and wealth. Idealists think the United States should promote democracy and human rights abroad. There’s huge overlap, of course, but the categories help separate those who see the world through the lens of national interest and those who see it through the lens of morals and values. The Trump administration, Washington tends to assume, falls on the realist side of the ledger. Donald Trump is ‘America First.’ He’s transactional. He reserves his most cutting opprobrium for neoconservatives — loosely defined as Republican idealists and democracy-promoters. But Trump hasn’t purged idealism from GOP foreign policy; he has aimed it at different targets.” (06/03/25)