The article critiques the Trump administration's approach to diplomacy, emphasizing that branding it as personal theater diminishes traditional institutions and undermines understanding between nations. This shift toward 'soft diplomacy' is presented as vital for fostering genuine relationships and influence, surpassing mere coercive tactics. When diplomacy relies on a single administration's identity, it threatens the credibility of American soft power, which traditionally has enabled students and leaders from around the world to connect with the USA. The erosion of this soft diplomacy could lead to detrimental consequences in international relations and American foreign policy effectiveness.
Understanding, on its own, doesn't guarantee sound foreign policy... But dismantling global engagement, educational exchange, and soft diplomacy all but ensures worse outcomes.
The US erodes its long-term credibility and undermines the very diplomats charged with carrying it out by tying diplomacy to the president's personal brand.
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