Realism emphasizes state-centrism, self-interest, power politics, and skepticism of multilateralism. So, Simion Costea , based on the assumptions of Realism, I view Trump’s “America First” doctrine aligns with realist state-centrism, prioritizing U.S. interests over global cooperation. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2017), Iran Nuclear Deal (2018), and Trans-Pacific Partnership (2017) reflects skepticism of institutions that constrain sovereignty, a realist hallmark. Tariffs on allies like Canada and the EU (2018), justified on national security grounds, emphasize relative gains, consistent with realism’s focus on power maximization.

In power politics, Trump’s transactional diplomacy, such as negotiations with North Korea (2018–2019) or pressuring NATO allies to increase defense spending (2017) leverages U.S. power for concessions, aligning with realist bargaining. In 2025, his push to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, including a temporary freeze on U.S. aid to Ukraine, suggests pragmatic engagement with great powers, prioritizing strategic deals over ideology. His border security measures, like the U.S.-Mexico wall, reflect realist self-help, prioritizing national security.

However, critics also argue Trump’s approach lacks realist coherence, leaning toward transactionalism. His erratic rhetoric, such as threats to retake the Panama Canal (2025), risks alienating allies, undermining realist strategic restraint. Policy reversals (e.g., NATO threats) and dismissal of expertise during COVID-19 suggest impulsiveness over rational calculation, challenging realism’s assumptions. Scholars like Walt describe this as “Neanderthal realism,” blending realist instincts with crude execution.

Scientifically, Trump’s policies align with realism’s statism and self-help but falter on rationality due to unpredictability. A 2024 study in the 'Journal of International Relations' calls his approach “unorthodox realism,” pursuing power through unconventional means like Twitter diplomacy. While his focus on bilateral deals (e.g., USMCA) and great-power negotiations reflects realist logic, his personal style introduces transactional opportunism.

In conclusion, I would therefore say, Trump’s foreign policy exhibits realist traits, state-centrism, power politics, and institutional skepticism but his impulsive rhetoric and inconsistent strategy suggest a hybrid of realism and transactionalism. This blend, shaped by personality and domestic priorities, achieves realist goals through unorthodox means, complicating its theoretical purity.

Respectfully,

Subham (from Bharat)

Realists break into two blocs: 1) those who believe that power can only be exercised via military threats or actions and 2) those that think power can be persuasive as well as coercive. Trump fits in the former category. Recently deceased Joseph Nye fits in the latter category, along with most previous U.S. presidents.

Dear Colleague,

You suggested the block number 2. Is this not in the field of smart power?

Many thanks,

Simion

نعم، يُمكن تصنيف الرئيس ترامب ضمن الاتجاه الواقعي في العلاقات الدولية، إذ ترتكز سياساته على المصلحة القومية الأمريكية أولاً، وتقليل الالتزامات الدولية، وإعادة التفاوض على التحالفات. الحجج العلمية الداعمة لذلك تشمل تركيزه على الردع الاقتصادي بدل التحالفات الليبرالية، وتفضيله النهج أحادي الجانب في الاتفاقيات الدولية مثل اتفاقية باريس والاتفاق النووي الإيراني. كما تُظهر سياساته تجاه الصين و"الناتو" تجسيدًا لمبادئ الواقعية الكلاسيكية القائمة على توازن القوى والهيمنة النسبية.

Not....but the US President Trump is a Cult Personality, who can do unexpected actions any time such as most productive and destructive. So, no one can really predict about his intention.

يُعتبر دونالد ترامب مثالًا على المدرسة الواقعية الجديدة (Neoclassical Realism) في العلاقات الدولية، حيث تبنّى سياسة خارجية ترتكز على مبدأ "أمريكا أولًا" (America First)، وسعى إلى إعادة تعريف المصالح القومية الأميركية بعيدًا عن الالتزامات الأممية التقليدية.

وقد اتّسمت سياسته الخارجية بـ:

• النزعة الأحادية (Unilateralism) في التعامل مع الأزمات الدولية،
• الانسحاب من الاتفاقات الدولية (مثل اتفاقية باريس للمناخ، والاتفاق النووي مع إيران)،
• والخطاب الشعبوي الذي استهدف القاعدة الداخلية أكثر من النخبة السياسية العالمية.

هذه السمات جعلت ترامب يوصف أحيانًا بأنه غير قابل للتوقع سياسيًا، لكن من منظور تحليلي، كانت معظم سياساته منسجمة مع توجهات المحافظين القوميين في الولايات المتحدة، لا مجرد ردود فعل عشوائية.