President Trump’s foreign policy is on full display as a form of modern realpolitik, where national interests and strategic goals override ideology and traditional alliances. This is evident in the hardline being taken with India and the softer, more engaging touch being used with Russia.
The hardline against India is clear. The 50% tariffs are a direct and unapologetic use of economic power to punish a nation for actions deemed contrary to US interests, specifically its oil trade with Russia.
The soft touch with Russia involves dialogue and incentives. Rather than just sanctions, the US is offering potential rewards, like the return of Exxon Mobil, in an effort to coax Moscow into a desired political outcome regarding the Ukraine conflict.
This is realpolitik in action. The US is assessing each relationship based on what it can achieve, using pressure on an ally to enforce a rule, while using negotiation with an adversary to solve a problem. It is a pragmatic, if unsettling, approach to managing global affairs.