Donald Trump is not a realist, he is a kleptocrat: Alexander Cooleys indictment

On many occasions, Donald Trump’s obsession with resolving international conflicts has been explained by his desire to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, or by his desire to preserve American interests: the “America First” doctrine. But what if the “realism” often preferred by the American president was just a smokescreen, intended to conceal a much more disturbing reality? This is the thesis of Alexander Cooley, a professor of political science and vice dean at Barnard College, who, in an article published in Foreign Affairs co-authored with Georgetown professor Daniel Nexon, describes Trump’s policy as “kleptocratic.” Speaking to L’Express, this expert dissects several cases he deems symptomatic of a blend between diplomatic decisions and private interests. He even identifies this logic in issues related to Iran, Russia, and China. Interview.

L’Express: Many analysts describe Donald Trump’s policy as realistic – a trend in international relations according to which the international system is anarchic and each state must ensure its survival above all else. Do you agree?

Alexander Cooley: Absolutely not. They are mistaken to believe that Donald Trump rejects liberalism at both the national and international levels. I am especially referring to respect for the rule of law, the separation of powers, multilateralism, and the world order based on rules. This would imply that Trump and his entourage are primarily motivated by national interests, as stated in the 2025 National Security Strategy.

However, this does not align with a number of initiatives taken by the American president in foreign policy. Since returning to the White House, Trump has consistently created channels that converge towards private interests, both for himself, his family members, and other political allies. This does not mean that the foreign policy team of the president is not guided by a realist logic. It does not even mean that sometimes Trump’s personal interests may align with the nation’s interest. Simply put, the motivations of the American president himself are primarily kleptocratic.