Foreign leaders fear Donald Trump's America — and that will make the United States even stronger, according to a column in The New York Times.
Mark Moyar, director of the Center for Military and Diplomatic History at the Foreign Policy Initiative, writes that Trump as president needs to capitalize on his strong talk.
"The fear is real," Moyar says. "Mr. Trump has indeed terrified foreign leaders with his 'America first' mantra, his promises to enlarge the American military and his tough talk on everything from the Islamic State to Air Force One.
"The good news is that his administration can turn this fear to the benefit of the United States."
He criticizes President Barack Obama, noting that he began his presidency "with lofty vows to conciliate adversaries, defer to the opinions of other countries and reduce America's military commitments.
"In the real world of geopolitics, however, the results have been catastrophic."
He added that under Obama, America's foreign policy created fear that the United States would let its allies down. He said the United States needs to care more about commanding international respect that whether it is loved by "international elites."
"The incoming administration appears poised to return the United States to this precept after an eight-year drought," he writes. "Americans and America's allies should be relieved. America's enemies are right to be afraid."
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