Citations for the document are provided in various academic formats:
Bluebook 21st ed.: Rebecca Lissner & Mira Rapp-Hooper, Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration, 104 FOREIGN AFF. 108 (July/August 2025).
ALWD 7th ed.: Rebecca Lissner & Mira Rapp-Hooper, Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration, 104 Foreign Aff. 108 (2025).
APA 7th ed.: Lissner, R., & Rapp-Hooper, M. (2025). Absent at the creation?: American strategy and the delusion of post-Trump restoration. Foreign Affairs, 104(4), 108-121.
Chicago 17th ed.: Rebecca Lissner; Mira Rapp-Hooper, "Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration," Foreign Affairs 104, no. 4 (July/August 2025): 108-121.
McGill Guide 10th ed.: Rebecca Lissner & Mira Rapp-Hooper, "Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration" (2025) 104:4 Foreign Aff 108.
AGLC 4th ed.: Rebecca Lissner and Mira Rapp-Hooper, 'Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration' (2025) 104(4) Foreign Affairs 108.
MLA 9th ed.: Lissner, Rebecca, and Mira Rapp-Hooper. "Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration." Foreign Affairs, vol. 104, no. 4, July/August 2025, pp. 108-121. HeinOnline.
OSCOLA 4th ed.: Rebecca Lissner & Mira Rapp-Hooper, 'Absent at the Creation?: American Strategy and the Delusion of a Post-Trump Restoration' (2025) 104 Foreign Aff 108.
Authors Background
Rebecca Lissner:
Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Formerly Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Adviser to the Vice President during the Biden administration.
Mira Rapp-Hooper:
A Partner at The Asia Group and Visiting Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Former Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania and Director for Indo-Pacific Strategy at the U.S. National Security Council during the Biden administration.
Co-author of An Open World: How America Can Win the Contest for Twenty-First-Century Order.
Overview of Trump's Foreign Policy Impact
Trump’s first presidency indicated significant shifts in American foreign policy, proposing a possible end to the rules-based international order.
Despite initial fears, many international institutions and alliances remained intact during Trump's presidency, showing resilience in American power.
The Biden administration successfully rejuvenated traditional elements of U.S. influence, reaffirming alliances, and a commitment to a rules-based international order.
However, Trump's potential re-election in 2029 raises concerns about the sustainable restoration of pre-Trump policies.
Trump’s Second Term and Its Implications
Trump's reelection implies his first term was not an anomaly, and early actions in his second term may further disrupt global order.
The transition to the next administration requires early strategic planning and clarity, avoiding merely reactive strategies to Trump’s policies.
The need for a 'zero-based' review of U.S. foreign policy is critical to reset long-held interests and strategies, taking stock of the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Geopolitical Changes Post-Trump
The international landscape has significantly altered under Trump's influence:
Increased challenges to the U.S.-led international order.
Shift towards a multipolar global reality.
Changes to existing power structures necessitate adjustments in U.S. foreign policy.
No new president can revert to the familiar policies of the post-Cold War era; a reevaluation is essential to align strategies with current global dynamics.
Biden Administration’s Approach
The first two years witnessed a perceived return to normalcy in U.S. foreign policy post-Trump:
Successful coordination with NATO allies following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Bipartisan support on key foreign policy initiatives, although challenges remained.
Lack of significant strategic remaking led to an evolutionary rather than revolutionary change.
Despite significant political events (e.g., the Ukraine war), a comprehensive restructuring of U.S. grand strategy was delayed due to ongoing crises.
Trump's Trade Policy and Its Consequences
Trump’s protectionist trade policies, such as the introduction of high tariffs, significantly affected U.S. economic relations:
Tariffs aimed at China resulted in a trade war, impacting global economic stability.
American allies in Asia were also adversely affected by these tariffs, jeopardizing long-standing partnerships.
Unpredictable trade policies may inadvertently strengthen competitors and undermine U.S. market leadership.
Call for a Zero-Based Review of Foreign Policy
A 'zero-based' approach to foreign policy would acknowledge and prepare for the challenges of the current geopolitical environment, rather than restore previous norms:
Must address the technological competition landscape and redefine U.S. interests focused on security and prosperity of its citizens.
Should consider the implications of broad geopolitical changes and emphasize strategic alliances based on shared interests rather than traditional value-based agreements.
The next administration must take advantage of the unique opportunity to redefine U.S. engagement in a multipolar world rather than revert to old paradigms.