"Before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past and forging a future where the #MiddleEast is defined by #commerce, not chaos; where it exports #technology, not #terrorism; and where people of different nations, #religions, and #creeds are building cities together, not bombing each other."
- President Donald J. Trump, May 13, 2025
In a world often shaken by headlines of war, division, and ideological conflict, President Trump's speech in Riyadh struck a different chord-one of optimism, unity, and perhaps most importantly, commerce. His words point to a future not built on conquest or coercion, but on collaboration and mutual benefit.
If one of the fundamental goals of life is happiness, then the role of commerce must not be underestimated. At its core, commerce is about the voluntary exchange of value-people working, trading, and creating to improve their own lives and the lives of others. It rewards innovation, encourages cooperation, and builds bridges between diverse communities. Unlike war, commerce does not demand bloodshed to win. Its victories are mutual. In this light, Trump's call for a Middle East defined by technology, not terrorism, becomes more than a slogan-it becomes a philosophy for peace.
Religions and cultures may differ in theology, customs, and traditions, but the basic tenets of honest trade are universal. No matter your creed or background, the values that underpin commerce-trust, consent, transparency-resonate across all human societies. This universality is what allows people from vastly different walks of life to collaborate. It is what enables a Christian entrepreneur in the U.S., a Muslim investor in Saudi Arabia, and a Jewish engineer in Israel to form a partnership grounded in mutual interest and respect.
The enduring lesson of history is that where trade thrives, peace follows. Nations that do business together are less likely to go to war. When people depend on each other economically, they develop incentives to resolve conflict, not escalate it. Trump's speech was not merely a policy outline-it was a roadmap for a more stable world. By encouraging nations in the Middle East to trade, to build, and to share in prosperity, he's advancing a strategy where diplomacy is carried out in boardrooms rather than battlefields.
President Trump's May 13th address wasn't just about lifting sanctions or forging deals-it was about redefining what the Middle East, and by extension the world, could be. A future built on honest commerce isn't just practical policy-it's moral vision. One where happiness is pursued not through dominance, but through dignity; not through fear, but through friendship; and not through chaos, but through commerce.
About the Author
Michael Malgeri is the founder of On Demand Whatever (ondw.com), where he writes about business, politics, parenting, and culture. After 45 years in technology, business leadership, and advocacy, Michael recently retired and enjoys sharing insights gained from a lifetime of experiences. He likes to say,
"After 45 years, spanning 18 careers, I've made so many friends and had so little tears."
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