Accusations That Trump Is ‘Transactional’ in Foreign Relations Miss the Point of Diplomacy

What relationship with a foreign country or any agreement or ‘deal’ between nations isn’t based on mutual self-interest?

AP/Aurelien Morissard
President Macron, center, poses with President Trump, left, and President Zelensky at the Elysee Palace, December 7, 2024, Paris. AP/Aurelien Morissard

The terms “transactional,” “dealmaker,” “businessman” and the like are routinely lobbed at President Trump. They accuse him of not understanding the nuances of foreign relations and diplomacy — and even suggest he’s got a certain amorality to him.  

Yet what relationship with a foreign country or any agreement or “deal” between nations isn’t “transactional”? They all are. It’s the essence of the thing. Both sides believe and expect they are getting something useful out of it.   

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