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Trump's Strange Affinity for Strongmen Complicates Foreign Policy

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, says U.S. President Donald Trump has a "unique, sometimes strange affinity" for strongmen, especially Vladimir Putin.
Graham says Trump admires these leaders but struggles to convert that affinity into policies that advance American interests.
The analysis underscores the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy toward Russia.

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Story summary

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, says U.S. President Donald Trump has a "unique, sometimes strange affinity" for strongmen, especially Vladimir Putin.
Graham says Trump admires these leaders but struggles to convert that affinity into policies that advance American interests.
The analysis underscores the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy toward Russia.