America in Retreat: Foreign Policy under Donald Trump

Review This compact but wide-ranging book provides an authoritative analysis of America’s retreat from the world under President Donald Trump. The book will help the reader understand why, under President Trump, respect for and trust in the United States have plummeted in most of the world—including in long-standing U.S. allies such as Germany. ― New York Journal of BooksA masterpiece of thoroughgoing, humanely centered foreign policy analysis. Written with verve and critical insight, Gurtov’s latest book deserves serious attention from all citizens as well as specialists. And it comes at a moment in history when American democracy and diplomacy are being shattered by a renegade president. If we are faithful to Mel’s argument, America will return to global responsibility on nuclear weapons, climate change, human rights, and the rest of the human security agenda. -- Daniel Ellsberg, author of Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon PapersWith his usual acuity, Mel Gurtov sees beyond the fray. This book lays bare how President Trump’s improvisational foreign policy relates to his divisive domestic politics, elucidating how and why this has damaged Washington’s standing in the world—and what a post-Trump America might do to begin to repair it. -- Carla P. Freeman, Johns Hopkins UniversityA timely and critical study of Donald Trump’s foreign policy, spotlighting the influences of his personality disorders—especially narcissism and lack of empathy—and his escalating confrontation with the world. Given the large gaps in Trump’s preparedness for the highest office, his ‘America First’ or ‘America Great’ slogan has become an ‘America Alone’ or ‘Trump First’ policy mantra with predictable negative consequences, as the title of this book makes clear. From a global-citizen, human-interest, and common-security perspective, Mel Gurtov concludes by appraising Trumpism, most importantly his administration’s impact on people and planet in an era of permanent war and climate crisis. His analysis is a must-read for all students of U.S. foreign policy and international relations as well as policy makers and an attentive public concerned about the shaping of a just and humane world order. -- Samuel S. Kim, Columbia University Product Description This deeply researched book offers a comprehensive analysis of the domestic politics and international consequences of Trump’s foreign policy. Mel Gurtov provides detailed case studies of policy toward key countries and regions, including China, Russia, North Korea, Europe, and the Middle East. He makes a vigorous argument, centered on human-interest priorities and values, for rejecting a foreign policy of neglect and ineptness when it comes to the major issues of our times: climate change, China’s rise, multiple US wars, human rights, authoritarian leadership, and nuclear weapons. Gurtov argues that Trump is a nationalist and illiberal populist whose policy views have been molded chiefly by his business practices, leading to an obsession with “winning,” elevation of ego and loyalty over expertise, and preference for threats over diplomacy. Trump holds to a few simple ideas about the US role in the world: too expensive, too subject to other countries and institutions, and too influenced by “globalist” concerns such as democracy, climate crisis, human rights, and the rule of law. Trump will leave a deeply negative mark on the reputation and credibility of the United States, and on its policy-making process. But Gurtov concludes that a liberal successor should be able to reverse the worst features of the Trump era and restore foreign policy to its true purpose: exemplifying America’s commitment to humane and democratic governance and cooperative economic relations with allies and economic partners. About the Author Mel Gurtov is professor emeritus of political science at Portland State University and senior editor of Asian Perspective. His books include Engaging Adversaries: