Rubio's Foreign Policy: Trump's Impact

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Rubio's Foreign Policy: How Trump Shaped the Senator's Views

Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, has long been known for his hawkish foreign policy stance. But how has his approach evolved under the shadow of Donald Trump's presidency?

The Trump Effect: Trump's "America First" approach to foreign policy, characterized by unilateralism and a focus on domestic concerns, has undoubtedly impacted Rubio's outlook. While Rubio remains a staunch advocate for American leadership on the global stage, he's also embraced some of Trump's key priorities, like a tougher approach to China and a push for more "fair" trade deals.

Cuba and Venezuela: Rubio's stance on Cuba and Venezuela, two key issues in Latin America, exemplifies this shift. While Rubio was once a strong supporter of engagement with Cuba, he's now aligned with Trump's hard-line policy, criticizing the Obama-era rapprochement and advocating for continued sanctions. Similarly, on Venezuela, Rubio has become a vocal critic of the Maduro regime, championing tough measures and backing US efforts to remove the socialist leader.

A Shift on Iran: Rubio's views on Iran have also undergone a transformation. While he was a leading voice in support of the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration, Trump's decision to withdraw from the deal has seemingly influenced Rubio's thinking. He now supports the "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, although he has stopped short of fully endorsing Trump's decision to withdraw from the deal.

Trade and China: Rubio, like Trump, has become a fierce critic of China's trade practices and its growing economic and military power. He supports a more assertive approach to countering China's unfair trade practices and its aggression in the South China Sea.

A More Pragmatic Approach? While Rubio's foreign policy still leans toward a more interventionist approach, the Trump era has seen a shift towards pragmatism. He's acknowledged the limitations of American power and the need for more strategic partnerships with allies. He's also shown a willingness to compromise on certain issues, such as his support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation, although he still pushed for a more favorable deal for the US.

Looking Forward: Rubio's future as a foreign policy leader remains unclear. While he has learned from Trump's approach and embraced some of his key policies, he has also distanced himself from Trump's more extreme positions. Whether his foreign policy stance will ultimately be viewed as a reflection of Trump's influence or a more independent approach remains to be seen.