Part 5/9:
The notion of reciprocity under Trump’s leadership characterized the U.S. stance on international trade. The philosophy posited a fair exchange, arguing against one-sided trade agreements that favored foreign markets while limiting American access. This led to a radical shift in discussions and negotiations about economic relations, where U.S. leaders no longer hesitated to implement tariffs as countermeasures to imbalances perceived in trade practice.
However, concerns were raised about whether such confrontational strategies could lead to diplomatic strife, especially with more formidable nations like Russia and China. While the intention was not to bully, the strategies employed shifted the dynamics of engagement from traditional diplomacy to a firmly transactional approach.