During his tenure as President of the United States, Donald Trump pursued an unconventional approach to foreign policy, with notable efforts directed towards peace in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Two key areas where his administration made significant, albeit controversial, strides in terms of diplomatic engagement were Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. While Trump’s efforts were often met with skepticism, his presidency saw an increased focus on negotiation and unconventional diplomacy, which left a mixed but undeniable impact on international peace processes.
Although the conflict in Ukraine reached a critical point after Russia’s invasion in 2022, Donald Trump’s presidency set the stage for future diplomatic engagement between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. His administration’s early stance towards Ukraine was characterized by a cautious approach, balancing support for Ukraine with efforts to prevent direct confrontation with Russia. In 2017, Trump provided Ukraine with military aid, including anti-tank missiles, signaling support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, the decision to withhold military aid in 2019 in exchange for political favors sparked significant controversy, culminating in his impeachment.
Trump’s approach to Russia, which was often described as more conciliatory compared to other leaders, was criticized by some as undermining efforts to curb Russian aggression. He was regularly criticized for being too lenient toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, with detractors arguing that his stance weakened the global coalition against Russian expansionism. However, some also saw Trump’s desire to engage diplomatically with Russia as a potential avenue for peace, although this approach was never fully realized due to the dynamics of international politics.
Despite the controversies surrounding his policies, Trump’s administration focused on creating a broader dialogue between the U.S., NATO, and Russia. He promoted arms control agreements and even initiated talks with North Korea, hoping to leverage diplomacy to manage international conflicts in ways that avoided further escalation. While Trump’s tenure did not resolve the Ukraine crisis, his administration was pivotal in framing a new kind of U.S. involvement in global conflict management that prioritized negotiation, though critics argue it was insufficient in countering Russia’s growing assertiveness.
Another region where Trump’s influence was deeply felt was the Middle East, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His administration made several high-profile moves aimed at reshaping the U.S.’s position in the region, with mixed results on the path to peace.
Perhaps the most significant was his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017. This move, widely criticized by Palestinians and much of the international community, was seen as a blow to the peace process, as Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem was followed by the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, further escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
However, despite these controversial decisions, Trump’s administration also played a role in bringing Arab nations closer to Israel. In 2020, under the leadership of Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, the U.S. brokered the Abraham Accords, leading to normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements were hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, as they marked the first significant normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries in decades. While the accords were not directly related to the Gaza conflict, they represented a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics and raised hopes for a broader regional peace.
Trump also pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” on the Palestinian Authority, which involved cutting U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority and organizations supporting Palestinian interests, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). His administration argued that such measures would incentivize the Palestinians to come to the negotiating table. However, critics argued that these policies exacerbated tensions and further distanced Palestinians from peace talks.
In Gaza, the situation remained largely stagnant throughout Trump’s presidency. The U.S. continued its longstanding policy of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. The U.S. also provided financial and military support to Israel, further entrenching its role as a key ally in the region.
Despite these efforts, Trump’s peace initiatives in both Ukraine and Gaza were fraught with challenges. His administration’s handling of foreign relations often favored a transactional approach, prioritizing deals and economic incentives over long-term diplomatic solutions. While some of these efforts were hailed as breakthroughs, such as the Abraham Accords, others, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, were criticized for lacking a clear vision for sustainable peace.
Trump’s approach to peace was marked by a preference for unconventional diplomacy, often bypassing traditional diplomatic channels and institutions. While this approach brought some successes, it also raised doubts about the effectiveness of his methods in dealing with entrenched conflicts.
President Donald Trump’s efforts toward peace in Ukraine and Gaza highlighted his unorthodox approach to international diplomacy. While his policies were often divisive and controversial, they underscored his belief in the potential for negotiation and direct engagement. In Ukraine, his administration’s actions helped to shape the broader geopolitical context, although they did not lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. In Gaza, Trump’s policies and the Abraham Accords marked significant shifts in the Middle Eastern political landscape, but they did little to directly address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ultimately, Trump’s legacy in these regions is a complex one, marked by both diplomatic successes and failures, with the long-term impact still unfolding.