The Foreign Affairs Interview The Strength of Trump’s Foreign Policy
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Nov 13, 2025 Robert O'Brien, former U.S. national security advisor, shares insights into Trump's foreign policy trajectory. He discusses the evolving stance on China, emphasizing a pragmatic approach with a focus on supply chains and a temporary pause in confrontation. O'Brien covers strategies in Venezuela to combat drug trafficking, Trump's proposed settlement for the Ukraine conflict, and the complex dynamics with India. He also examines how Trump's governance style has matured, advocating for national sovereignty and nonintervention while stressing the need for economic pressure on adversaries.
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Venezuela Pressure Driven By Drugs
- The administration frames recent Venezuela pressure as primarily driven by stopping drug flows, not explicit regime change.
- O'Brien warns Maduro's entanglement with cartels leaves little distinction between state and traffickers.
Alliances Must Be Two-Way
- Trump pressured allies to increase defense spending, reframing alliances as two-way commitments.
- O'Brien argues Europe benefitted but could no longer free-ride on U.S. defense given rising global threats.
Early Warmth With Modi And India
- O'Brien recalls strong personal ties with Prime Minister Modi and shared optimism about manufacturing moving to India.
- He cites the Howdy Modi event and U.S. support for India's economic opportunity amid de-risking from China.
