Core Proposition of the Speech
Trump's speech in Riyadh marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, the core message can be summarized as:
Abandoning 'values promotion': The U.S. will no longer intervene in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of 'liberal democracy', ending the post-Cold War model of 'nation-building'.
Respect for 'national self-determination': Countries can choose their own development paths, with the U.S. only providing 'paid protection' and commercial cooperation rather than ideological transformation.
'America First' pragmatism: Diplomacy oriented towards economic interests, maintaining influence through transactions (e.g., arms sales, energy cooperation) rather than military intervention.
Comparison of New and Old World Orders
Old Order (Post-Cold War) New Order (Trump's Definition) Promotion of 'liberal democracy' Promotion of commercial cooperation and security services Military intervention (e.g., Iraq War) Economic levers (e.g., sanctions, investments) Globalism (multilateralism) 'America First' (bilateral transactions) Moral judgment (human rights diplomacy) Respect for sovereignty ('judgment belongs to God')
Specific Policy Reflections
Lifting sanctions on Syria: In exchange for its joining the Abraham Accords and recognizing Israel, reflecting 'transaction priority'.
Saudi $600 billion investment: In exchange for arms sales and AI cooperation, creating American jobs while downplaying human rights issues.
Iran's 'carrot and stick': Threatening 'zero oil' sanctions while opening negotiations.
International Reactions and Controversies
Supporters: View this as a 'return to realism', avoiding unnecessary wars (e.g., lessons from Afghanistan).
Critics: Accuse him of enabling authoritarianism (e.g., Saudi human rights issues), and that 'paid protection' is actually a form of 'new hegemony'.
Impact on Global Dynamics
Reshaping the Middle East: From a 'conflict zone' to a 'commercial hub', with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others becoming centers for technology and energy.
Great Power Competition: China and Russia may seize the opportunity to expand their influence, while the U.S. maintains dominance through economic ties.
Allied Relationships: Traditional allies (e.g., EU) need to adapt to a 'transactional' America or strengthen their own defense capabilities.
Summary: Trump's speech is not merely slogans, but through specific actions such as lifting sanctions, massive investments, and technological cooperation, constructs a new international order based on 'exchange of interests'. This shift reflects a reconsideration of American interventionism and is a realistic choice in the context of the retreat of globalization.