JD Vance, author of the memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” has risen to political prominence as Donald Trump’s running mate in the upcoming election. Vance’s political beliefs center around economic populism, isolationism, and support for the “forgotten man” in U.S. politics. He is part of the New Right movement within the Republican Party, advocating for a rejection of free-market orthodoxy, hostility toward immigration, and social conservatism.
Vance’s foreign policy views align closely with Trump’s, emphasizing scarcity politics and questioning U.S. alliances and military commitments. He has criticized the Biden administration’s military aid to Ukraine and has expressed support for Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory. Vance has also called for an end to the war in Gaza, citing economic motivations rather than humanitarian concerns.
Despite his lack of foreign policy experience, Vance’s alignment with Trump has propelled him to the forefront of Republican politics. His selection as Trump’s running mate signals a shift in the party’s approach to foreign affairs issues, with a focus on challenging long-held consensus positions. This has led to speculation about Vance’s influence on Trump’s foreign policy decisions and whether he represents a new vision or simply a continuation of existing policies.
While there may be differences in opinion on specific foreign policy issues, such as Taiwan, Vance’s careerist approach and ideological alignment with Trump suggest a harmonious relationship between the two. The Trump-Vance ticket’s embrace of strongmen like Viktor Orban and Jair Bolsonaro underscores their transactional approach to international relations and the potential implications for America’s global standing.
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