It’s Time to Support Ukraine in Winning the War: Ronald Reagan’s Legacy Lives On
At the 1980 Republican National Convention, Ronald Reagan declared, “We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong but when they are weak.” He emphasized the importance of peace being secured through strength.
Prior to Donald Trump becoming the GOP’s standard-bearer, this belief was widely held on the American right.
However, Trump’s rhetoric, which sometimes leaned towards isolationism and praised America’s enemies in Moscow and Pyongyang, emboldened the Republican Party’s isolationist faction.
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a potential contender for Trump’s vice-presidential choice, endorsed Trump last year and praised his departure from the hawkishness of the foreign policy establishment as his top achievement in the White House.
Nevertheless, Trump’s successes in shaping world events came not from his isolationist tendencies but from his adoption of a radical Reaganite foreign policy that involved being tougher on issues like Iran, supporting Israel, and taking a strong stance against Russia under Putin.
Contrary to Vance’s claims, Trump’s policies often outpaced the hawks that Vance disdains.
While Biden has been criticized for his slow response to providing aid to Ukraine, Trump’s administration supported sanctions on Russia and provided lethal aid to Ukraine despite Putin’s threats.
In the wake of recent events like Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attacks on Israel, Biden has faced criticism for his perceived weakness in foreign affairs.
The American public, according to various surveys, favors a more engaged stance in world events, with a majority supporting increased defense spending and a strong stance against threats from countries like Russia and China.
In light of Trump’s strong support for Ukraine and his tough foreign policy stance, it would be wise for him to capitalize on the current sentiment among American voters who prioritize strength and engagement in global affairs.
