Explained in plain English

What is a transactional foreign policy?

A transactional foreign policy treats international relations like business deals, where countries offer something in exchange for specific benefits. Trump's demand for loyalty instead of money from NATO allies, after they increased defence spending, is a prime example of this approach.

Stories that explain this

Trump tells NATO allies he wants loyalty, not money

Questions this opens up

Is loyalty a transaction? Who benefits from transactions? When did this start?

Related explainers

What is Article 5? What does Article 5 mean? What is collective defence? Which countries joined NATO recently? Who decides sanctions? Who decides to invoke it? What is economic warfare? Why did Finland join NATO?

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