Is Trump Reading Risale-i Nur? His Strategy Mirrors Said Nursi’s Philosophy
ormer U.S. President Donald Trump’s conflict resolution strategy bears striking similarities to the philosophy of Said Nursi, a 20th-century Islamic thinker. Could his approach to global crises be influenced by Nursi’s teachings?
Editor1
Is Trump Reading Risale-i Nur? His Strategy Mirrors Said Nursi’s Philosophy
YUSUF INAN / YEREL GÜNDEM
Türkiye - Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to global conflicts, particularly his stance on the Gaza-Israel war and the broader Middle East turmoil, has drawn significant attention. Interestingly, Trump’s strategy of aiding those who are perceived as unjustly treated bears a striking resemblance to the philosophy outlined by Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, a prominent Islamic thinker of the 20th century, in his book Shualar (The Rays), specifically in the Thirteenth Ray section.
Observers have pointed out that Trump’s diplomatic maneuvers regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict also exhibit notable parallels with Nursi’s methodology of conflict resolution. Could this be mere coincidence, or is there a deeper connection between Trump’s strategy and the principles advocated by Said Nursi?
A Historical Parallel: Conflict Resolution Through Unconventional Means
In Shualar, Nursi recounts an incident from World War I when he and ninety Ottoman officers were held captive in a Russian prison camp. Faced with growing tensions and heated debates among the prisoners, Nursi devised a counterintuitive method to restore order. He instructed a few men to side with the unjust party during arguments.
His reasoning was profound:
"A righteous man is often fair and willing to sacrifice a portion of his right for the greater good of public peace. However, an unjust man is usually egotistical and unwilling to compromise, which only escalates conflicts. By supporting the unjust party, disputes were diffused, and harmony was restored."
Trump’s Strategy: A Modern Reflection of Nursi’s Tactics?
Trump’s approach to international relations has often been unconventional. His stance on the Middle East conflict, his diplomatic moves with adversarial nations, and his handling of geopolitical power struggles echo Nursi’s philosophy—prioritizing stability over moral absolutism. His dealings with Russia, Ukraine, and even China reflect a similar mindset, emphasizing strategic maneuvering over traditional diplomatic posturing.
While there is no indication that Trump has directly studied Said Nursi’s works, the striking similarities in their conflict resolution tactics cannot be ignored. If Trump’s strategy aligns with the ideas of one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the last century, it could offer a fresh perspective on his diplomatic style and decision-making process.
A Fascinating Debate for U.S. Policy Analysts
As discussions around Trump’s possible political comeback continue, scholars, policymakers, and media analysts may find it intriguing to explore whether his conflict resolution style is shaped by deeper philosophical influences. Could his political instincts be resonating with an age-old principle that prioritizes practical stability over ideological rigidity?
Whether intentional or coincidental, the alignment between Trump’s geopolitical strategy and Said Nursi’s conflict resolution principles opens a new dimension for understanding modern diplomacy.
