lemonde.fr
Trump's Middle East Doctrine: Peace Through Business
In a May 2025 speech, Donald Trump presented his Middle East policy prioritizing economic cooperation and business deals over democratic values, contrasting with previous US administrations' approaches and relying on strong ties with Gulf monarchies.
- How does Trump's personal business interests influence his foreign policy towards the Middle East?
- Trump's "realist" doctrine prioritizes American economic interests in the Middle East, aligning with the business practices of Gulf monarchies. This contrasts with the "idealist" approach of previous administrations that emphasized democratic values and security. Trump's business ties to the region significantly influence his foreign policy.
- What is the core principle of Donald Trump's Middle East policy, and how does it differ from previous US approaches?
- In May 2025, Donald Trump outlined a Middle East peace plan based on economic diplomacy, prioritizing business deals over democratic ideals. This approach contrasts with previous administrations, focusing on wealth creation for the US rather than democratic reform in the region. Trump's strategy relies heavily on strong relationships with Gulf monarchies.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of prioritizing economic diplomacy over democratic ideals in the Middle East?
- Trump's economic diplomacy in the Middle East may yield short-term economic gains for the US but risks long-term instability if it neglects democratic ideals and human rights. The success of this approach depends on the willingness of Gulf states to prioritize economic cooperation over other geopolitical considerations. The long-term consequences for regional stability and American influence remain uncertain.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Trump's approach as a departure from previous administrations, highlighting its economic focus. The description of Trump's speech setting in a lavish palace reinforces this framing, implying a focus on personal gain. The emphasis on the economic aspects potentially overshadows other dimensions of his policy and its potential impacts. The use of phrases like "the great pardon" and the repeated mention of business deals reinforces the narrative of Trump as being primarily motivated by personal financial gain.
Language Bias
While the article strives for objectivity, certain word choices might subtly influence the reader. For instance, describing Trump's approach as "the great pardon" implies a forgiving attitude towards previous US actions which is open to interpretation. The repeated emphasis on business deals and wealth accumulation subtly highlights the economic aspect of the policy, which might lead the reader to undervalue other aspects. The article also utilizes loaded terms like "désastres" (disasters) and "peu de succès" (little success) when describing the actions of Bush and Obama respectively, creating a biased comparison.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on the economic aspect of Trump's Middle East policy, potentially omitting other crucial factors such as social, political, and security considerations. The impact of Trump's policies on human rights and democratic processes in the region is not explicitly addressed. Further, the piece implicitly contrasts Trump's approach with that of his predecessors, potentially downplaying the complexities and nuances of each administration's actions. The long history of US involvement in the Middle East is touched upon, but a more thorough exploration of that history and its consequences could provide valuable context.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by contrasting Trump's "realist" approach with an "idealist" approach, suggesting these are the only two viable options for US foreign policy in the Middle East. This simplification overlooks the range of approaches and potential complexities within these broad categories, as well as the possibility of alternative approaches altogether.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses Donald Trump's approach to Middle East policy, focusing on economic diplomacy and business deals to foster peace. While the effectiveness is debated, the pursuit of peace through economic means aligns with the SDG's goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.