American Diplomacy: The Vanguard of US Foreign Policy

On Oct. 7, against the stunning backdrop of the Acropolis, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a rousing speech that illuminated Western civilization’s and America’s roots in classical Greece. Rubio’s unusual effort as secretary of state to educate European friends and fellow Americans about their shared ancient heritage elicited widespread praise from American conservatives. And rightly so: Citizens’ ignorance of, and frequently scorn for, their civilization weakens the West and America from within.

The 2025 National Security Strategy has ignited debates about several distinctive assertions, especially the choice of giving priority to the Western Hemisphere, thereby correcting the insufficient attention Washington has long paid to Latin America. In addition, the document may indicate a softening of the perception of China, and it repeats the appeal to European allies to do more for their own defense. Of particular note, furthermore, is the identification of culture as a dimension of security.

To understand Trump’s approach to Ukraine, Iran, and China, look to Richard Nixon. The president’s instinct for superpower dealmaking reflects a hard-nosed realism, backed by the American economy.