The foreign policy of the Trump administration was marked by a departure from traditional multilateral diplomacy in favor of an “America First” approach. While this strategy led to shifts in global relationships, it also resulted in several notable peace and normalization efforts.

The Abraham Accords

The most significant diplomatic achievement of the administration was the brokering of the Abraham Accords. Announced in 2020, these agreements normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

• Who was involved? The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco all signed historic normalization agreements with Israel.
• The Outcome: The accords led to the establishment of direct diplomatic ties, trade agreements, and flights between the nations. These deals were hailed as a breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy, as they created new partnerships based on shared security and economic interests, particularly in opposition to Iran.

The Accords represented a strategic pivot away from the traditional U.S. policy of linking Israeli-Arab relations to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Economic Normalization in the Balkans

The Trump administration also played a direct role in brokering an agreement between two long-standing rivals in Europe: Kosovo and Serbia.

• The Agreement: Signed in September 2020 at the White House, this was an agreement on economic normalization. The pact focused on job creation and infrastructure, aiming to open economic cooperation and trade. It included pledges for both nations to increase transport links and promote business development.
• Outcome: While not a full political peace treaty, the agreement was presented as a significant step toward future normalization. It was a tangible example of the administration’s focus on using economic incentives to encourage diplomacy.

A New Approach to Global Diplomacy

Beyond these specific agreements, the administration’s foreign policy was defined by a broader approach of “peace through strength.” This involved prioritizing bilateral, transactional deals over large, multilateral agreements.

For example, the administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Accord, stating that these agreements did not serve U.S. national interests. This shift signaled a new era of diplomacy where the U.S. would negotiate directly with nations, often leveraging economic pressure to achieve its goals. This approach generated both praise for its directness and criticism for its disruption of the post-WWII international order.

Lforlaw is committed to providing accurate and factual information on legal and political matters that affect the public. The actions discussed here demonstrate a unique and often debated style of diplomacy that continues to shape global relations.

Sources:

• The White House (Archived)
• U.S. Department of State
• The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Foreign policy analysis from reputable think tanks and news organizations.