By Alan Shatter
The initial weeks of Donald Trump’s return to the White House have irrefutably confirmed the reinstated President is intent on rapidly advancing what he perceives to be in the United States interests through the exercise of raw American power unhindered by diplomatic niceties. America First means what is says on the tin and if that upsets America’s allies, as well as its adversaries, no matter.
Trump’s doctrine is that allied dependency on America’s goodwill, its enormous economic and military clout and, in some cases, its financial and military supports, in navigating a troubled world will force allies to adapt and better address issues that matter to him. Meanwhile confusing and discombobulating adversaries, both international and domestic, can only be beneficial. To a greater extent than during his first presidency Trump has re-emerged for the next four years as the politician central to global developments, as well as America’s domestic politics. Last time his presidency was perceived by many as an anomaly. This time it is the new normal.
Ireland is a small player on the world stage, despite some of its politicians having illusions of grandeur, and its new government is struggling to come to terms with Trump’s second coming. Coincidently, entering office the week of Trump’s inauguration, it is substantially the previous government reconstituted by the same two major parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Both Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Michael Martin and Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Foreign & Defense Minister, Simon Harris have since the government’s formation been kvetching over the possible consequential impact on Ireland of the Trump administration.
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About Alan Shatter: Alan Shatter is a former Irish Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence, a former chairperson of the Irish Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, a former member of the EU’s Council of Justice & Home Affairs Ministers & Council of Defence Ministers, a Fellow of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations, Chairperson of Magen David Adom Ireland, a retired solicitor advocate, author of academic legal works, novels and occasional and an occasional lecturer and broadcaster on legal issues and contemporary Irish domestic and international politics. The Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs is included amongst the publications for which he has written.
