00:00International relations expert Mwale Henry tells the Morning Edition,
00:04history shows that major geopolitical interventions often carry unintended consequences.
00:11He warns that power vacuums can emerge, sectarian fragmentation can occur,
00:18and non-state actors can rise in influence, developments that can ripple beyond borders
00:23and ultimately affect small states like Trinidad and Tobago.
00:28Henry describes as noteworthy this country's continued support for the U.S.
00:34without clearly defining its own limits or safeguards.
00:37It is interesting that Trinidad and Tobago continues with this ringing endorsement of U.S. action
00:45without any type of limitation, without any type of pause, without any type of apprehension,
00:52because as I indicated to you, history will dictate what are the most likelihood outcomes
00:58and U.S. action within the region has historically produced unintended consequences.
01:05Henry maintains that this country must always secure its national interests first
01:12and approach such matters with strategic caution and diplomatic balance rather than overt alignment.
01:19So I think that in itself would require some sobriety, some apprehension, more cooling of heads
01:26and really pushing the region, the U.S., Israel and Iran, to come to a resolution and to have talks
01:35rather than this continuation of the Kamlo Passat Business Administration policy of killed and dead.
01:43I don't think it's going to serve Trinidad and Tobago's interests in the long term.
01:48Turning to the Prime Minister's recent address at CARICOM,
01:51Henry also expresses concern about the open criticism directed at regional partners during the summit's opening.
01:58He argues that such forums are not traditionally structured for public rebuke.
02:03He further warns that her absence from the actual summit meeting and the key deliberations on CARICOM's path forward
02:11could limit how effectively Trinidad and Tobago's voice is reflected in ongoing regional negotiations with the United States.
02:19The political fortunes of Donald Trump and the Republican Party can change in this midterm election.
02:27When that happens and he enters, if possibly that happens, and he enters into a lame duck presidency,
02:35who will now be Kamlo Passat's successor, ringing partner, to take herself through what she expects to happen?
02:45And that's the real question.
02:47So it is wise to have a measured approach and to more have a bipartisan approach that was done previously.
02:55Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
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