CONVENTIONAL candidates for the American presidency signal how they might deal with the world in three main ways. First, they are expected to issue detailed foreign policies, though—in truth—few of these plans are robust enough to survive when stuff happens. Next, by choosing advisers known for strong views or special expertise, candidates nod to their own priorities. The third signalling mechanism is the most nebulous but the most useful, and happens when contenders let slip some remark that betrays their deepest prejudices and gut instincts.
Donald Trump, an unconventional candidate, has come a long way without revealing very much about his views on foreign policy. He has offered such bumper sticker slogans as “Bomb the shit out of ISIS”, and dodged questions about his preferred sources of geopolitical advice, recently declaring: “I’m speaking with myself, number one, because I have a very good brain.”
On March 21st, however, the Republican front-runner visited Washington, DC for a day of traditional foreign-policy chin-stroking and speechifying. He joined presidential rivals in addressing some 18,000 supporters of the American...Continue reading
Source: United States http://ift.tt/1pyIaFc
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