LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has called on the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump to reinforce U.S. global leadership by strengthening military alliances, increasing defense spending, and refusing to abandon American commitments abroad. In an article published Monday in Foreign Affairs, McConnell argues that the United States cannot retreat into isolation or limit itself to a single region, warning that such retrenchment would embolden authoritarian regimes and harm global stability. He advocates robust involvement to counter the rising influence of Russia and China, as well as persistent threats from Iran and North Korea. The Kentucky senator’s commentary comes as Trump prepares to begin his second term in January. McConnell contends that the current international order, one that has historically supported peace and economic growth, stands on the brink of further destabilization if the United States does not uphold its commitments. McConnell criticizes past approaches of “engagement and accommodation” by the Biden administration, saying such strategies have only encouraged foreign powers to test American resolve. He points to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, China’s expanding military presence, and Iran’s aggressive posture toward Israel and other neighbors as evidence that renewed U.S. leadership is urgently needed. By emphasizing a substantial and sustained increase in defense funding, McConnell proposes improving the nation’s capacity to meet multiple international challenges simultaneously. He warns that both right-wing isolationists and left-wing critics risk weakening the United States by treating credibility and global interests as negotiable. Throughout the piece, McConnell underscores the importance of standing with allies who share democratic values and striving to maintain a framework that protects human rights and opposes injustice. According to the senator, backtracking on international commitments would not only signal vulnerability but also leave vulnerable populations at the mercy of oppressive regimes. In a press release, McConnell’s office highlighted key excerpts from the article, arguing that a failure to invest in “hard power” and global leadership could have grave consequences for the United States and its partners worldwide. The full Foreign Affairs article is available here. The post McConnell Urges Stronger U.S. Global Leadership Under Trump appeared first on The Lexington Times.