Trump’s UN message of national sovereignty for all

As is customary, world leaders addressed the UN General Assembly this week at the opening of a new session in New York City. US President Donald Trump spoke for half an hour, and delivered what many pundits seemed to mistake for just another example of his “America first” doctrine — the ideal of prioritizing the needs of America and Americans. But, upon closer examination, this was actually a speech about the importance of respecting each nation’s sovereignty.

At the start, Trump highlighted the accomplishments of his administration and the successes of the US people over the last two years. This unconventional approach for a UN address drew snickers and giggles from the crowd of other world leaders, but he made his point. The US has been pursuing its own interests first and foremost, and it has led to success at home. “We are standing up for America and for the American people. And we are also standing up for the world,” he said.

Speaking to his counterparts from around the world in his own hometown, Trump imparted the following lesson: Respect the sovereignty of other countries and prioritize the needs of your own people. The most important line in the speech was: “We believe that, when nations respect the rights of their neighbors and defend the interests of their people, they can better work together to secure the blessings of safety, prosperity, and peace.” 

The opening of the UN General Assembly is really the only opportunity to address the global community, and Trump made it a point to highlight some of the biggest current worldwide concerns. In particular, he referenced how far relations have improved with North Korea in just one year. Recall that, at last year’s General Assembly, Trump called Kim Jung Un “little rocket man.” This week, he said: “I would like to thank Chairman Kim for his courage.” He reaffirmed that sanctions on North Korea would remain until denuclearization is complete, which shows the world that the US can be strong while also a good partner for peace.

Concerning Iran, Trump reminded the world that the economic sanctions being exerted on “the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism” are an American endeavor. It is, as Trump said, a “campaign of economic pressure” launched by the US. It is “working with countries that import Iranian crude oil to cut their purchases substantially.” While there are several countries that see Iran as a threat — Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel are the main examples — and others that want to continue trading with Iran — such as the EU, China and India — it is the US that is acting to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It is important that Trump took this opportunity to remind the world of the threat posed by an armed Iran, but it is also relevant that Trump reminded the world that the US does and will continue to act when necessary. Sovereignty must be respected, but other countries can only respect Iran’s sovereignty if Iran can be trusted to respect theirs.

Trump also highlighted the evils of socialism as has been seen in Venezuela in recent years. The US and its other neighbors have not breached the sovereign borders of that troubled country despite the evils perpetrated by the kleptocratic Nicolas Maduro regime, which has starved the people and forced the flight of two million refugees. Trump announced new sanctions against the ruling elite in Venezuela, but the countries in North and South America are still struggling with the best response to help their neighbors while respecting the sovereignty of another country. This is not dissimilar to the dilemma with North Korea, which abuses its population in equally oppressive ways: The US must prevent military conflict, but how far does it go to help the persecuted North Korean people without violating the country’s sovereignty?

Trump also took the time to celebrate and defend his decision to move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, which was entirely in line with the theme of the speech. He said America has a “policy of principled realism,” which stands in contrast to the policies of so many American diplomats of the past.

Then Trump spoke about the diversity of the dreams and people that “fill this hall.” He spoke about India lifting millions out of poverty, “bold new reforms” in Saudi Arabia, 70 years of democracy in Israel, and Poland defending its independence (against the neighboring Russian threat). “Many countries are pursuing their own unique visions, building their own hopeful futures, and chasing their own wonderful dreams of destiny, of legacy, and of a home,” he said. 

The president concluded by speaking about the benefits of patriotism, that the people of the world should be proud to support their countries. It is not necessary to submit to blind nationalism or believe one’s country is superior, but patriotism is beneficial when it inspires “reform and revolution, sacrifice and selflessness, scientific breakthroughs, and magnificent works of art.”

He added: “Sovereign and independent nations are the only vehicle where freedom has ever survived.” This is not the old Trump doctrine. This is a doctrine of national sovereignty for each and all, global cooperation and peace.

• Ellen R. Wald, Ph.D. is a historian and author of “Saudi, Inc.” She is the president of Transversal Consulting and also teaches Middle East history and policy at Jacksonville University. Twitter:  @EnergzdEconomy