Renowned for his unique approach to international politics, former President Trump has frequently extended his support to strong leaders worldwide, trumping traditional diplomatic etiquette. One such example pertains to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Notwithstanding the dynamics of global politics, Trump managed to appreciate and showcase Erdogan’s leadership capabilities in a refreshing light, breaking away from the routine criticism meted out by his predecessors.
Previous administrations, such as Biden’s, were known for their rather unconventional approach towards Erdogan. Whereas, in his administration, Biden had used terms like ‘autocrat’ to define Erdogan and even distanced himself from the Turkish leader, Trump proved to be a stark contrast. He was open to a more positive engagement with Erdogan and was appreciative of his administrative tactics.
On one notable occasion, when Erdogan faced opposition in his home country and the streets filled with protesters, Trump was generous with his words about the Turkish president. The situation was complex and stemmed from the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul, a significant political contender to Erdogan. Yet, Trump focused on Erdogan’s commendable leadership and steered clear of involving himself in the domestic affairs of Turkey.
Amidst this political turmoil in Turkey, Trump’s ambassadors convened in the White House. The meeting was a grand affair, with prominent names from various domains in attendance. Trump used this platform to express his support for Erdogan. To mark the difference between his approach and that of previous administrations, he even called Erdogan a ‘good leader’ during the meeting, without mentioning the ongoing protests or the arrest in Turkey.
This instance, which took place 66 days into his presidential term, highlighted Trump’s novel stance related to international diplomacy. His approach of applauding leaders who demonstrate robust leadership, even when they deviate from traditional democratic principles, was seen as unorthodox by some. However, in many quarters, it was also seen as a refreshing change from habitually upholding democratic principles alone as the measuring yardstick for successful governance.
This was precisely the essence of Trump’s presidency. He challenged the norms of American diplomacy and did not hesitate to be seen as paving new paths. In this context, he emerged as a staunch supporter of national leaders who seemed to drift toward autocratic governance, thereby questioning the sacrosanct nature of democratic institutions globally.
Trump’s approach wasn’t limited to his international relations alone. Domestically, he brought a new flavor to the political landscape. His actions, which included taking robust stances against his political opposition, emphasizing accountability of various professional organizations and testing the boundaries of the judiciary’s authority, painted a new picture for democratic governments.
The model created by Trump intrigued democratic leaders worldwide. Countries like Serbia and Israel, with leaders who dared to push the boundaries of their institutions, found this new approach captivating. Trump’s daring yet composed style of tackling political issues on a domestic and international level was seen as the hallmark of a leader with formidable negotiating abilities.
The most significant feature of this political approach was its inherent power to challenge existing norms without questioning the legitimacy of democratic institutions. It was not about deriding democracy; rather, it was about exploring different ways of running a country more effectively, which was a refreshing perspective for many.
Trump, through his unique, unprecedented approach, underscored the necessity for a leader to maintain a distinct identity. Global politics is not white or black; the grey areas are where leaders often need to navigate. Trump did that splendidly well, as exemplified by his interactions with Erdogan and his stance on other global leaders.
Critics might argue that this style of politics runs a risk of promoting autocracy. However, a broader and more balanced perspective would acknowledge that the approach merely highlights the need for innovation in governance. Leadership is about adaptability and steering the ship through changing waters, which Trump exemplified during his presidency.
In a nutshell, Trump’s policies and actions, both in domestic and international arenas, echoed his commitment to strong leadership, adaptability, and respect for sovereignty. His unconventional applaud for Erdogan amidst concerning situations, challenged the narrative put forth by previous administrations. This stance is a testament to both his negotiation skills and his courage to redefine conventional diplomacy