Trump Administration's Unconventional Foreign Policy: A Royal Twist

Two American political scientists have proposed the concept of "neoroyalism" as a framework to understand the foreign policy of the Trump administration, suggesting that the government often behaves more like a medieval royal family than a modern nation-state. According to this theory, the administration's approach to diplomacy and international relations is characterized by a blending of private enterprise and state interests, with key decisions being made by family members and close business associates rather than professional diplomats. The idea of neoroyalism was first put forward by two scholars, who argue that this approach to foreign policy is a departure from the traditional norms of international relations, where governments are expected to act in the best interests of their citizens. Instead, the Trump administration's neoroyalist approach prioritizes the interests of the president's family and business associates, often at the expense of traditional diplomatic protocols. This approach has been evident in the administration's handling of several high-profile diplomatic negotiations, including a recent visit to South Korea, where President Trump was presented with a replica of a crown worn by the kings of Silla. The gesture was seen as a nod to the neoroyalist approach, which emphasizes the personal relationships and symbolic gestures that are often more important than traditional diplomatic niceties. The concept of neoroyalism has been met with both praise and criticism from international observers. Some have praised the administration's willingness to challenge traditional diplomatic norms, while others have criticized its lack of transparency and accountability. "The neoroyalist approach is a new way of thinking about international relations, one that prioritizes personal relationships and symbolic gestures over traditional diplomatic protocols," said Joshua Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox who has written extensively on the topic. However, others have expressed concerns about the implications of this approach for international relations. "The blending of private enterprise and state interests is a recipe for corruption and abuse of power," said a senior diplomat from a European country, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's a worrying trend that could have serious consequences for global stability and security." The concept of neoroyalism is not without precedent in history. Medieval royal families often wielded significant power and influence, and their personal relationships and symbolic gestures played a major role in shaping international relations. However, the modern nation-state is expected to operate according to different norms and principles, and the Trump administration's neoroyalist approach has been widely criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. As the Trump administration continues to navigate the complexities of international relations, the concept of neoroyalism is likely to remain a topic of debate and discussion. While some see it as a refreshing new approach to diplomacy, others view it as a worrying trend that could have serious consequences for global stability and security. Only time will tell whether the neoroyalist approach will prove to be a lasting feature of the Trump administration's foreign policy, or a fleeting anomaly in the annals of international relations.