By his own admission, Donald Trump has no foreign policy advisers.
But that hasn't stopped the billionaire real estate developer from making outrageous declarations on his foreign policy plans if elected president.
So far, the Republican frontrunner has said he would force Mexico to build a border wall to keep illegal immigrants out of the US.
He wants to deport 11 million illegal immigrants, ban Muslims from entering the country and suggested wiping out the Islamic State extremist group with a massive military operation.
"I think Islam hates us," he declared about the world's second-largest religion with 1.6 billion followers.
Trump threatens trade war with China, Japan and Mexico if they don't "behave," and wants a closer relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he admires.
No team
There's no clarity on who will guide his foreign policy or whom he would consider tapping as his Secretary of State.
Asked by MSNBC who will be the "giants" on his foreign policy team, the Republican candidate said Tuesday: "Yes, there is a team," before immediately backtracking.
"Well, there's not a team," he acknowledged. "I have met with far more than three people, and I will be forming a team at the appropriate time."
The businessman with no political experience boasted of the support of a Republican senator from Alabama, Jeff Sessions, and noted his "great respect" for Richard Haass, a former diplomat and head of the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations.
Haass acknowledged meeting Trump in August, but made clear in a Twitter post he does not endorse candidates but has briefed several, both Democrats and Republicans.
US media reported that 110 Republican foreign policy veterans have signed a letter saying Trump's views on foreign policy would undermine US security.
Privately, US diplomats say their foreign counterparts are concerned about the effects of a Trump presidency on the country's relationships with the rest of the world.
The wall
From the very beginning of his campaign, Trump has accused Mexico of sending drug dealers, criminals and rapists across the border into the United States.
To stop illegal immigration, Trump has proposed not only building a giant wall along the southern US border but also forcing Mexico to pay for the project estimated to cost US$8 billion. (around RM32.72 million)
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has made clear "there is no scenario" in which his country would pay for a wall. He also criticized Trump's "strident rhetoric," comparing it to the rise of dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
'Islam hates us'
Trump said in November he had seen pictures of Muslims in the United States celebrating after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 – an urban legend that has been debunked.
But Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country, to keep out would-be terrorists.
On Wednesday, he went even further, telling CNN: "I think Islam hates us."
He repeated the assertion the following evening during a debate with his Republican rivals, saying "many" of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims "hate" America.
No rules
Washington has been pounding Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria with an air campaign. Trump has proposed a solution to the threat posted by the extremist group: "Cut the head of ISIS and take their oil."
He has also promoted torturing terrorists and targeting their family members.
Trump then changed his tune and said that if elected, he would respect the laws of the country.
Later, he again amended his position, announcing what he would do is amend the law banning torture, a necessary step because "we are playing by the rules, but they have no rules."
'Powerful leader' Putin
While relations between Washington and Moscow have been strained for years, Trump often defends Putin, calling the Russian president "a powerful leader" and saying he would "get along very well" with him.
Putin has returned flattering comments, hailing the "tremendous" Trump as "talented without any doubt."
Trade wars
Like Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, Trump denounces free trade agreements, saying current deals have done nothing good for the country.
"It's not good when you don't have the right people representing you," he said, promising better negotiated deals in the future and protectionist measures or trade wars against China, Japan and Mexico.
He also accused China and Japan of currency manipulation.
"There is a serious threat from Trump of a real protectionist backlash imposing new tariffs on imports," said Edward Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations.
AFP
Mon Mar 14 2016
In this Dec 3, 2015 file photo, Trump speaks during the 2016 Republican Jewish Coalition Presidential Candidates Forum in Washington, DC. - AFP Photo/Saul Loeb
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.