For all our cosmopolitan views, Americans often know very little about the world beyond our borders, especially places as far away as Asia. A New York Times poll conducted in May found that only about a third of respondents could correctly pinpoint North Korea on a map (some even circled Turkmenistan). What added to the damage was a late-night talk show that aired in August. When the host asked people walking through downtown Hollywood, “Should the United States take military action against North Korea?”, everyone answered “Yes.” Then, immediately after the question, they were asked to point out the location of North Korea on a map, but not a single person got it right. It seems that it’s easy to bomb an unknown place.
Thus, one of the most unfortunate aspects of the American national character is its ability to simultaneously embrace ignorance and certainty. From this perspective, Donald Trump is the most American of all the presidents in history.
He doesn’t want to understand anything; in other words, he has no interest in learning on the job. He doesn’t listen to policy experts, and relies primarily on his own intuition. “I’m a very smart guy. I’m my own number one consultant. I’m born with that talent,” he says, boasting about his knowledge of foreign policy.
Trump cares most about winning and making deals. Unfortunately, all of his business success is self-serving, and in reality, his companies have caused great harm to those who were foolish enough to invest in them, as evidenced by the fact that his companies have filed for bankruptcy six times.
Those disappointed by Trump’s election as president are clinging to a glimmer of hope that America’s robust national system, which prevents the concentration and abuse of power, will prevent him from inflicting devastating damage on the country.
To be sure, Congress and the courts have so far prevented America from reaching catastrophe, and the relentless legislation and executive orders may one day be amended by the presidents (and their laws) who follow Trump.
However, when it comes to foreign policy, the story is different. The US Constitution gives the president extraordinary freedom in international affairs, and since 9/11, there has been an astonishing concentration of military power in the White House. So what happens when Trump’s morning bad mood leads not to spiteful tweets but to nuclear attacks? Would any of our nation be brave enough to step up and stop him?