The Trump Doctrine is easiest to describe as: deploying economic leverage to achieve national security interests. The Trump Doctrine is unique and stunningly effective.
Many of the geopolitical decisions have multiple facets which connect like small gears on a much larger machine. One of those small dual-purpose gears is the Doctrine as it is applied to Pakistan. The downstream moves impact China, our #1 geopolitical and economic adversary, then Russia, and also support new alliances with India and the broader Middle-east.
Toward China = ♦Squeeze #3. In 2017 Trump and Secretary Tillerson, now Secretary Pompeo, put Pakistan on notice they need to get involved in bringing their enabled tribal “extremists” (Taliban) to the table in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s primary investor and economic partner is China. The U.S. removed $900 million in financial support to pressure Pakistan toward a political solution in Afghanistan, China has to fill void. [NOTE: Last month the World Bank began discussions about a financial bailout for Pakistan.] Again, more one-way bleed for China. {Go Deep}
When President Trump removed the $900 million in aid to Pakistan, he empowered the Pentagon via Defense Secretary James Mattis, with an option to give $300 million to Pakistan if Mattis felt positive steps were being taken to change behavior. Today the Pentagon announces no change in behavior is noted:
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