Hal Brands
President Donald Trump has come out firing, with a fusillade of policy actions and executive orders meant to reshape America’s approach to the world. In doing so, Trump has also made clear that this is his administration: No “axis of adults” will thwart his plans this time around.
But if loyalty is the watchword of Trump’s second administration, there are still profound intellectual debates within the government and political movement he leads. Trump’s foreign policy will be shaped by how he adjudicates a contest of ideas — and some brutal bureaucratic combat —among five key schools of thought.
Every presidency is an intellectual mélange, because every administration brings a range of perspectives to bear. Policy is ultimately made by the president. But internal debates matter because they shape the options that are presented, and because the often reflect the ambiguities within a leader’s own worldview.
The fights within Trump’s administration will, if anything, be more important than usual, because this president is so often influenced by the last person he sees — and because the gaps between contending factions are so profound.
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