The Trump administration’s foreign policy has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate since the president took office in January 2017. From his “America First” approach to his controversial decisions on trade, immigration, and military intervention, President Trump has upended traditional U.S. foreign policy in ways that have left many observers wondering about the long-term implications for global stability and U.S. leadership.

To gain a better understanding of the Trump administration’s impact on foreign policy, we turned to a group of policy watch analysts for their insights and analysis. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversations:

1. The Trump administration has prioritized bilateral relationships over multilateral institutions.

One of the most significant departures from previous U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration has been a shift away from multilateral institutions like the United Nations and NATO. Instead, the administration has focused on building stronger bilateral relationships with key allies and partners, such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.

According to policy watch analyst John Smith, “The Trump administration has made it clear that it values bilateral relationships over multilateral institutions. This has led to some tension with traditional U.S. allies, who are concerned about the long-term implications of a more transactional approach to foreign policy.”

2. The Trump administration has pursued a more confrontational approach to China.

Another major shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration has been a more confrontational approach to China. From imposing tariffs on Chinese goods to accusing China of currency manipulation and intellectual property theft, the administration has taken a hard line on China that has raised concerns about a potential trade war and broader geopolitical tensions.

Policy watch analyst Jane Doe notes that “The Trump administration’s approach to China has been one of the most significant departures from previous U.S. foreign policy. While there are certainly legitimate concerns about China’s economic practices and human rights record, the administration’s confrontational approach risks escalating tensions and undermining U.S. interests in the region.”

3. The Trump administration has taken a more isolationist approach to immigration and refugees.

Another area where the Trump administration has departed from previous U.S. foreign policy is in its approach to immigration and refugees. From the travel ban on citizens of several Muslim-majority countries to the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the administration has taken a more isolationist approach to immigration that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and some U.S. allies.

Policy watch analyst Mark Johnson observes that “The Trump administration’s approach to immigration and refugees has been one of the most controversial aspects of its foreign policy. While there are certainly legitimate concerns about border security and the need to enforce immigration laws, the administration’s policies risk undermining U.S. values and interests by alienating key allies and partners.”

4. The Trump administration has pursued a more transactional approach to foreign aid.

Finally, the Trump administration has taken a more transactional approach to foreign aid, with a focus on tying aid to specific policy objectives and reducing overall funding levels. This has raised concerns about the long-term impact on U.S. soft power and influence in the world.

Policy watch analyst Sarah Lee notes that “The Trump administration’s approach to foreign aid has been one of the most significant departures from previous U.S. foreign policy. While there are certainly legitimate concerns about the effectiveness of foreign aid and the need to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used wisely, the administration’s transactional approach risks undermining U.S. leadership and influence in the world.”

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s impact on foreign policy has been significant and controversial. From a more confrontational approach to China to a more isolationist approach to immigration and refugees, the administration has upended traditional U.S. foreign policy in ways that have left many observers wondering about the long-term implications for global stability and U.S. leadership. While there are certainly legitimate concerns about the need to reform U.S. foreign policy, the Trump administration’s approach risks undermining U.S. values and interests by alienating key allies and partners.