Throughout history, international relations have largely been shaped by an understanding based on reciprocity. Accordingly, in diplomacy, the stance adopted by one state toward another often finds a corresponding response. This balance is the foundation of interstate respect and stability. However, Donald Trump’s presidency of the United States has largely disregarded these diplomatic traditions. US President Donald Trump has made headlines not only for his pronouncements that completely disregard established rules of courtesy and diplomatic protocol, not only in American diplomacy but also globally.
Donald Trump’s understanding of diplomacy differs significantly from traditional statesmanship. He has chosen to break away from established diplomatic patterns, emphasising his individual style and power-oriented stances. This approach conveys messages not only about foreign policy but also domestic policy. For example, the appearance of American F-22 fighter jets and a B-2 bomber in the sky as Russian President Vladimir Putin disembarked and shook hands during Alaska talks could be considered unusual diplomatically, even blatant acts of intimidation. Donald Trump often uses such gestures to convey a message of superiority rather than a balance of power.
Trump’s deliberate use of the seating arrangement at the White House summits with European leaders regarding the Russia-Ukraine War, held a few days after the Alaska Summit, conveyed a similar message. Seating heads of state side by side, with himself at the far end of the table, disrupted the familiar image of equality in protocol and created an image of a power hierarchy. Such a presentation also offers clues about his leadership style. Trump’s stance is not one of primacy among equals, but of undisputed authority.
Beyond such symbolic gestures, Trump’s prominent physical behaviour in his meetings with many leaders has also attracted attention. His sudden, almost defiant, jerk of the other person’s hand toward his own, especially during handshakes, can be interpreted as an attempt to assert dominance. This gesture is far more personal, even aggressive at times, than traditional diplomatic gestures. Such a personalised style rarely encountered in the history of diplomacy. In this respect, Trump has portrayed himself as a leader who transcends conventional boundaries.
There has been much analysis of the reasons behind this aggressive and unconventional stance. Some speculate that Trump’s actions are not solely about projecting a strong leadership image to the outside world. This strategy may also be part of an effort to appeal to his political base and alleviate pressures he faces domestically. The demographic that identifies with the slogan “Make America Great Again” is comprised of a voter base that values strong leadership. Voters are dissatisfied with some of Trump’s moves, both domestically and internationally. Trump, however, needs such behaviour to re-empower himself within Republican Party.
US presidents are forced to consider the domestic political implications of every foreign policy move they make throughout their term. Trump has clearly understood this balance, using his unconventional foreign policy moves to gain domestic political advantage. Following the 2016 elections, facing judicial pressures, media criticism, and a polarised political environment, pursuing an unconventional diplomatic approach has become a defensive strategy for Trump.
Trump’s unconventional diplomatic streak has been evident not only in his one-on-one interactions with leaders but also in his dealings with international institutions. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, his occasionally condescending language toward the United Nations, and his financial pressures on his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies clearly reflect this. American foreign policy, traditionally based on multilateral cooperation, has shifted more toward unilateral interests during Trump era. This has led to a questioning of the US’s global role.
The “personal leader diplomacy” approach frequently encountered during the Trump era differs from classic state protocol. In this model, leaders attempt to shape foreign policy through their own personal preferences and direct relationships. Trump’s direct correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his volatile relationship with Vladimir Putin are examples of this new type of diplomatic approach. While such an individualised style diplomacy may appear effective in the short term, it poses risks to the stability and trust of long-term international relations.
Of course, this approach has not been without its critics. Many allied countries are uneasy about the Trump administration’s unpredictable behaviour and the weakening of institutional diplomatic structures. America’s traditional leadership role is being questioned, creating gaps in the international system. This environment of uncertainty also poses a threat to global security balances.
Trump’s diplomatic approach has been power-based and largely individualised, transcending established international rules. This style has proven effective both as domestic political strategy and has had significant impacts on foreign policy. However, it is also a fact that such an approach could, in long run, undermine fundamental elements such as predictability, stability, and trust in international relations. It is clear that diplomacy cannot be conducted solely through displays of force.
