Trump's “America First” Leadership and Resource Nationalism: Implications for Indonesia's Logistic Independence and Defense Doctrine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63309/dialektika.v23i3.714Keywords:
America First, Defense Doctrine, Logistics Independence, Trump Leadership, Resource NationalismAbstract
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between Donald J. Trump's leadership style, which promotes the America First policy, and its manifestation in defense and energy industry policies. It then examines the implications of this policy for efforts to achieve logistical independence and the formulation of Indonesia's defense doctrine. The background of this study is the phenomenon of resource nationalism and protectionism that influence the structure of the global supply chain and national security priorities. The objectives of this study are: (1) to identify the characteristics of Trump's leadership style that impact defense and energy industry policies; (2) to explain the mechanisms by which these policies change logistical independence and the sustainability of strategic supply chains; and (3) to formulate policy implications that can be adapted to strengthen Indonesia's defense doctrine. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach in the form of literature review, policy analysis, content analysis of official documents and policy publications, and thematic analysis to examine thematic patterns. Key findings indicate that the Trump administration emphasized a nationalistic narrative, the use of executive and protectionist instruments, and an emphasis on strengthening the domestic industrial base as a security strategy. These policy mechanisms operate through strengthening domestic demand, encouraging supplier diversification, and increasing attention to supply chain visibility, but simultaneously create trade-offs in the form of increased costs, market fragmentation, and the risk of hidden dependencies. For Indonesia, the study indicates that literal imitation of protectionist policies is inappropriate; more relevant are selective adaptations in the form of operational capability-based industrial policies, strategic supply maps, structured public-private partnerships, human resource and R&D investments, strategic stockpiling, and technology diplomacy that maintains interoperability. In conclusion, effective logistics independence must be designed as a holistic strategy that considers economic efficiency, resource sustainability, and Pancasila values to ensure Indonesia's defense doctrine remains adaptive and equitable. This research recommends further empirical studies to test the effectiveness of operational policies at the sectoral and provincial levels.
Keywords: America First, Defense Doctrine, Logistics Independence, Trump Leadership, Resource Nationalism
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