The “Bush Doctrine” from President George W. Bush made as a priority for United States foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, to spread freedom and democracy.
The “Trump Doctrine,” as articulated by the president in his recent visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia is to promote peace and prosperity.
The Bush Doctrine had nobler ideals, but it resulted in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, both of which failed to implement freedom and democracy, which turned out to be not universal aspirations but the products of a culture and a religion that were alien to those nations.
The Trump Doctrine sounds more crass. He held audiences with terrorists and supporters of terrorists, monarchs and dictators, promising them major trade advantages in return for peace. But by holding out the possibility that both sides would profit from a U.S. trade deal, he made peace between India and Pakistan.
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