Trump’s disruptive foreign policy style around the world
In his first public address since joining the Trump administration, National Security Advisor John Bolton threatened U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court and announced the closure of the Palestine Liberation Organization offices in Washington D.C. Meanwhile, the United Nations has sounded the alarm about an expected attack and resulting “bloodbath” in Idlib, the last rebel-held stronghold in Syria. USC experts are available to speak about the latest developments in the Middle East and the potential fallout from the administration’s threat to the ICC.
Contact: Jenesse Miller, (213) 810-8554 or Gilien Silsby, (213) 500-8673
A confrontational approach by the Trump administration
“Bolton is coming out of the gate unnecessarily threatening the International Criminal Court, an aggressive tactic that’s consistent with the administration’s approach to foreign policy and flies in the face of our country’s values and best interests. This could affect how the ICC might investigate Americans for actions in Afghanistan.
“There’s also a question about the Palestinians’ role, and Bolton’s promise to shut down the PLO’s headquarters in Washington exhibits an overreaction based in fear not strength.”
Hannah Garry is clinical professor of law and director of the International Human Rights Clinic at the USC Gould School of Law.
Contact: hgarry@law.usc.edu or (303) 819-4062
The ‘red line’ of chemical weapons in Syria
“Bolton’s speech is notable for underscoring that the Trump administration’s Middle East ‘peace plan’ is little more than an attempt to bludgeon the Palestinians into still more concessions.
“Concerning Syria, Assad using chemical weapons again would be crossing the ‘red line’ that Obama drew and then backed away from. Trump should be on the phone with Putin to prevent the slaughter that would result.”
Philip Seib is a professor of journalism and public diplomacy at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and professor of international relations.
Contact: seib@usc.edu or (213) 740-9611
Trump as disruptor-in-chief
“President Trump ran for office by casting himself as a disruptor. He has certainly lived up to that campaign role. His goal is to break the order of things. We’re seeing it not just with the ICC, but also with the threats to sanction China over the detention of Muslims, his ongoing trade wars, his criticism of the EU, and the way he has responded to North Korea’s nuclear activities.”
Tom Hollihan is a professor and director of doctoral studies at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. His recent lecture, “Chaos and Disorder: Foreign Policy in the Trump Era” can be viewed here.
Contact: hollihan@usc.edu or (213) 740-3947
Photo: Gage Skidmore via Flickr
