Trump’s comeback!
Context
Recently, Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, resulting in a major shift in power after defeating current Vice-President Kamala Harris. This election also showcased a change of sentiments in the American voters focusing on nationalism, populism, and an inward-looking agenda.
Relevance:
GS-02 (International Relations)
Dimensions of the Article
- Highlights of the Article
- The unfinished agenda
- Implications for India
Highlights of the Article
- Trump’s victory depicts a move towards populism and nativism, where nationalism and economic protectionism would much more likely take centre stage.
- Trump’s agenda may usher in a stricter immigration policy, potentially involving family separations and mass deportations, along with proposed corporate tax cuts and tariffs on imports, especially from China, which could spark a trade war impacting global economic stability.
- His isolationist stance also suggests a less involved U.S. on the international stage, potentially granting more freedom to Russia and Israel to further their interests in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The unfinished agenda:
- It refers to all those policies and promises he previously promoted but was unable to fully implement during his first term. This includes several controversial goals:
- Restrictive Immigration Policies: This includes strict border policies, policies on mass deportations and a potential focus on family separations at the border. His agenda suggests a return to these policies, intensifying the stance on reducing illegal immigration.
- Corporate Tax Cuts: Although critics argue that reducing corporate tax rates benefits large corporations and wealthy investors, Trump believes that it would help in economic growth.
- Trade Policies: It is also expected to see tariffs on Chinese goods and on all imports of the country.
- Foreign Relations and Military Intervention: Trump’s policy focuses more on reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and limiting support for multilateral institutions, while supporting allies like Israel and taking a harder stance on adversaries like Iran.
Implications for India
- Trump’s approach to international relations could have mixed consequences for India.
- With Trump’s approach of introducing new tariffs on China and amidst the U.S.-China trade war, India could utilise this opportunity to strengthen its trade and technology sectors, as companies will seek alternatives to China.
- Trump’s expected strict immigration policies, especially securing borders, could affect Indian skilled workers in the US.
- Meanwhile, India’s defence and strategic partnership with the U.S. might receive renewed support, as Trump’s foreign policy aligns with a common interest in counterbalancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Way Forward
- India and other countries around the world should be prepared to adjust to the new U.S. foreign policy that could be more self-focused on itself.
- India should also focus on expanding and strengthening its trade relations with other nations to diversify its supply chain.
- As the U.S. moves forward with its “America First” policy, the world will watch closely to see if Trump’s administration will address pressing global challenges or create further divisions.
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