Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Q&A: Trump’s “Ethnic Cleansing” and the End of the Gaza Ceasefire

EA on International Media: Trump and Musk Try To Break the US Government

UPDATE, FEB 14:

In a 26-minute discussion, I speak with Times Radio’s Jo Crawford about the danger of Donald Trump’s egocentric and chaotic foreign policy.

I review how Trump, including with his proposal for ethnic cleansing of Gaza, has undermined the chances of a Phase 2 ceasefire.

If Trump can’t get credit as a “peacemaker”, what does he do?

He changes the narrative to put out the ethnic cleansing proposal. Then, when he gets all the criticism, he blames Hamas and unleashes Israel.

And I explain Trump’s attempts at bullying all countries, including long-time US allies, with proclamations of tariffs.

ORIGINAL ENTRY, FEB 13: I joined Al Jazeera English’s Inside Story on Wednesday to analyze the dangers of Donald Trump’s approach to US foreign policy: what matters is not strategy, alliances, or stability — what matters is Donald Trump’s ego and conception of power.

I connect Trump’s foreign policy to his domestic approach, highlighting how his attempted destruction of US agencies could undermine American diplomacy, military affairs, economic policy, and “soft power”.

The other panelists are Ibrahim Fraihat of the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies and Roger Hilton of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. The host is James Bays.

Checks and balances are gone — or at least Donald Trump and an unelected co-President, Elon Musk, don’t believe in them.

Foreign affairs is in the context of an attempt by Trump and Musk to tear down the US system.

Setting out Trump’s approach, I note:

You can engage with Trump, but as a transactional President.

You have to give Trump something which is not something for America. It’s something that makes Donald Trump looks good.

That may not match up with American interests. It certainly does not match up with multilateral interests.

Hours before Trump’s abandonment of Ukraine to Russia’s invasion, I foreshadowed the development: “Will the adults in the room be listened to or will Trump, being impetuous, decide that we are going to negotiate directly with the Russians?”

Ukraine War, Day 1,086: Trump Ends US Support of Kyiv’s Defense v. Russia’s Invasion

Watch TVP World

I also spoke about Trump, Ukraine, and Russia on Poland’s TVP World on Wednesday morning.

I anticipated the discussions at the Munich Security Conference this weekend, emphasizing where not only where the Trump Administration but also European countries position themselves.

Trump does not want to be invested in Ukraine unless he can get something in return. He doesn’t see this as supporting Ukraine, but trying to get some advantage from it.

You can’t treat Ukraine as a business deal. You have to treat it as a security interest.

I also analyze the European preparations for Russia’s wider campaign of “hybrid warfare”.