press release
Published: 05 February 2025

Commentary: Trump's plan to 'take over' Gaza strip

The following expert comment below was written by Dr Mark Shanahan, Associate Professor of Political Engagement at the University of Surrey, about his views on US President Donald Trump's plan to 'take over' the Gaza strip.

Dr Mark Shanahan

"We're seeing the emergence of 'Trumperialism' - essentially, Trump's plan for peace is a massive property deal, turning Gaza into profitable beachfront resorts. As ever, the President will claim the credit for peace while expecting Israel's neighbours to pay for it. It will chill many Americans, including MAGA supporters, that the President's vision implies American boots on the ground in one of the world's foremost danger zones. That's not what the isolationist tendency among US voters cast their ballot for.

"Of course, Trumperialism isn't any kind of fully-fledged plan. Like his appointments and raft of executive orders, it's about gaining ratings for the President. It rides roughshod over law and convention but is about securing headlines and, in Trump's mind, popularity. His pronouncements sow chaos, and certainly not international peace."

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