A foreign policy expert has encouraged Washington’s political elite to take lessons from President Donald Trump’s unconventional foreign policy approach, arguing it has delivered results in areas where traditional diplomacy struggled.
Eko Hot News reports that Jonathan Guyer, program director at the Institute for Global Affairs, made the remarks during a discussion on the cable network MS NOW, saying the Washington establishment has “something to learn” from Trump’s unconventional diplomatic style.
Guyer highlighted what he described as Trump’s “cowboy diplomats,” including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who lack traditional diplomatic experience yet have sometimes achieved breakthroughs, including efforts toward a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict that, he said, former President Joe Biden did not manage.
The expert acknowledged that Trump’s methods break with diplomatic precedent and carry significant risks, including potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns.
He said non-traditional envoys have shown a willingness to engage with groups and countries others might avoid, including talks involving Hamas, discussions on Syria sanctions, and engagement around Yemen.
MS NOW host Catherine Rampell pushed back, questioning whether those involved were acting in the country’s best interest rather than for personal gain.
The panel also critiqued aspects of the administration’s policy, including its approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Guyer conceded there are downsides to unconventional diplomacy but said that opening lines of communication—even with adversaries—can represent progress.
He pointed to efforts to bring both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table as an example of an initial step toward de-escalation.
Critics on the panel argued that breaking traditional diplomatic norms can undermine ethical standards and create strategic vulnerabilities, stressing the importance of expertise and established protocols in foreign relations.
Supporters of the unconventional approach argue that its flexibility allows for engagements that formal diplomatic channels may struggle to achieve, particularly when traditional methods stall.
The debate reflects broader discussions within U.S. political circles about the effectiveness and risks of non-traditional diplomacy in addressing complex global conflicts
