Marco Rubio as Secretary of State: The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) waves to the crowd after speaking with former President Donald Trump onstage at a campaign rally in Miami on Nov. 6, 2022. Source: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Senator Marco Rubio, a long-serving Florida Republican, has built a reputation as a leading voice in U.S. foreign policy. The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio’s personal experience with authoritarianism fuels his hardline stance against oppressive regimes, particularly in Latin America. Since joining the Senate in 2011, Rubio has been known for advocating strong alliances, economic sanctions against adversarial governments, and opposition to countries like China, Iran, and Russia. Rubio’s views have earned him the support of conservative foreign policy advocates and national security hawks, who see him as a defender of American democratic values on the global stage.

With reports confirming Rubio as President-Elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, speculation grows over how his hawkish foreign policy stance may shape the administration’s approach. Known for his commitment to U.S. alliances, NATO, and democratic advocacy, Rubio could influence American diplomacy by emphasizing a more traditional, assertive stance abroad. His experience on the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees has reinforced his support for a strong U.S. presence internationally, particularly standing together with democratic allies.

If Rubio assumes the role of Secretary of State, his foreign policy record would likely bring a renewed focus on resisting authoritarian influence in regions like Eastern Europe and Latin America. His past policy positions suggest he might prioritize several key initiatives. Firstly, Rubio has been a staunch advocate for NATO and a vocal supporter of Ukraine amid Russian aggression. He’s likely to push for continued military and economic support for Ukraine, emphasizing that a stable Europe aligns with U.S. security interests. Rubio may also work to strengthen NATO’s role and encourage member nations to meet their defense spending commitments, promoting unity in response to Russian challenges.

Senator Marco Rubio views China as America’s primary geopolitical rival and has long advocated for economic decoupling to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing. He has been vocal about the threat posed by China’s “Made in China 2025” initiative, which seeks to establish China as a global leader in high-tech industries like robotics, aerospace, and biotechnology. Rubio believes this strategy threatens U.S. economic security and could undermine American manufacturing and global economic competitiveness. In response, he supports policies like strict technology sanctions, particularly targeting companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party, to limit China's influence on global technology and trade. Rubio also advocates for building alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting partnerships with nations such as Japan, South Korea, and India, in order to counterbalance China’s growing regional power. 

Additionally, Rubio’s background and advocacy against authoritarianism in Latin America, especially in Cuba and Venezuela, suggest he would support measures to pressure these regimes. He has called for targeted sanctions against high-level officials in Cuba and Venezuela and may work to bolster civil society initiatives that support democratic movements in these countries. For nations experiencing democratic backsliding, Rubio could encourage greater U.S. involvement, including economic sanctions and diplomatic pressures, aiming to promote democratic reforms and stability.

Additionally, Rubio has highlighted the importance of protecting the U.S. from cyber threats, both from state actors like Russia and China and from non-state groups. He might prioritize cybersecurity alliances with European and Asian partners, advocating for international cooperation on cyber standards and pushing for stronger defenses against cyberattacks, particularly those aimed at elections and critical infrastructure.

Rubio’s strategic goals suggest he would pursue a globally active U.S. foreign policy, aiming to support democracy, limit authoritarian influence, and solidify alliances. Balancing his interventions with Trump’s America-first approach could lead to selective, yet assertive, U.S. engagements worldwide, such as supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, countering authoritarian regimes in Latin America, or advancing U.S. interests in global technology competition. While Rubio’s policies may at times diverge from Trump’s “America First” doctrine, his leadership could blend a traditional Republican foreign policy with the more pragmatic elements of Trump’s vision. This hybrid approach would likely aim to maintain American influence abroad while addressing the needs of the nation’s security and economic interests.