The Seven Pillars of Populist Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy
by Lisel Hintz, Berk Esen and Tudor OneaFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores how Donald Trump’s foreign policy aligns with the approaches of other populist leaders, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Instead of focusing on unique U.S. global influence or Trump’s personal traits, the piece argues that Trump’s diplomatic strategy reflects a broader populist governance style. This approach emphasizes direct engagement with voters, bypassing traditional institutions, and challenging established norms.
The article outlines seven key pillars of populist foreign policy: personalization, hyper-mediatization, “corrupt elites,” grand history, revisionism, extortion, and the pursuit of domestic dividends. These principles manifest in Trump’s actions, such as his reliance on Twitter for communication, his focus on domestic political gains, and his renegotiation of international deals to assert U.S. interests. Despite differing geopolitical contexts, these leaders share a common narrative of representing “the people” against elite establishments.
The comparison highlights how populism shapes foreign policy behavior, often leading to significant shifts in international relations. For instance, Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and his renegotiation of trade deals like NAFTA mirror similar moves by other populist leaders. These actions are driven by a desire to assert national sovereignty and respond to domestic political pressures.
Understanding these shared characteristics is crucial for grasping the broader implications of the global rise of populism. As more countries adopt this approach, international stability and cooperation may face challenges. The article underscores that Trump’s foreign policy is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a larger trend reshaping global politics. This insight is vital for anyone analyzing modern diplomacy and its impact on international relations.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/19/2026