"Trump's political effectiveness stems from an incredible instinct for the weaknesses of enemies and rivals, a willingness to tear away what looks like strength to reveal the rot beneath."
"The Republican establishment in 2016 offered a case study in the vulnerabilities that he exploits: a party elite discredited by the Iraq war and the financial crisis."
"His impulse for deal making should be understood as just one means of power projection, whose pleasures are milder than the thrill of seeing geopolitical rivals humiliated or captive."
"In Trump's first term, it was clear he was not really a dove or an isolationist, and his arguments for foreign policy restraint served primarily as rhetorical bludgeons."
Donald Trump has demonstrated a unique political effectiveness by identifying and exploiting the vulnerabilities of his opponents. His rise in 2016 showcased a Republican establishment weakened by past conflicts and crises, which he adeptly manipulated. Trump's strategies included undermining complacent rivals like Hillary Clinton and navigating a political landscape that allowed him to regain power post-2020. His foreign policy approach, particularly regarding Iran, reflects a willingness to discard restraint when opportunities for dominance arise, revealing a consistent pattern of power projection and conquest.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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