Trump must reassure nervous US allies

President-elect Donald Trump faces a full international inbox.

Awaiting the 45th president are multiple Mideast crises and concurrent crises in confidence among allies in Europe and East Asia facing daunting foreign policy challenges of their own. Elsewhere, allies India and Pakistan are involved in spiraling skirmishes. There are hot spots such as Venezuela, which risks becoming a failed state, Central America, where high levels of violence increase instability, and oft-forgotten conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and elsewhere.

On top of these international issues is the threat of climate change, which the Pentagon thinks will increase instability, if not conflict.

Trump ran against globalism, so it’s unlikely he’ll ever evolve into an internationalist. Nevertheless, it’s essential that his administration work to ensure international stability in order to focus on its domestic agenda. Accordingly, Trump should quickly reassure nervous allies that his self-described “America first” foreign policy does not render decades of defense and diplomatic relationships second.

Facing a revanchist Russia, a politically destabilizing Mediterranean migration crisis and other issues, NATO nations were understandably shaken by the candidate’s uncertain trumpet regarding the alliance. Now that the campaign is over, Trump should unequivocally state his belief in and support for NATO.

Similarly, Trump should shore up Asian alliances, particularly with South Korea and Japan. Both countries were rattled by Trump’s cavalier consideration that they (and other nations) might be encouraged to develop their own nuclear arsenal.

And Trump, a dealmaker, should also honor existing trade pacts. Trump won on a pledge to make America great again. Doing so requires global leadership, not shirking allies or shrinking away responsibilities. His administration’s foreign policy should be crafted accordingly.

— Star Tribune (Minneapolis)