Source: The post Growing US imperialism challenges India and global order has been created, based on the article “Is U.S. imperialism a threat to the world?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: This article reflects on rising U.S. imperialism, especially after Trump’s return. It highlights violations of international law, growing global power rivalry, India’s shifting foreign policy, and the emerging role of the Global South in a changing world order.
U.S. Imperialism and Global Aggression
- Unilateral Military Actions: The U.S. attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities, during the Israel-Iran war, violated international law. This continues a pattern of unauthorized interventions, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Trump’s Assertive Agenda: Trump’s ‘America First’ approach reflects a response to declining U.S. dominance and the neoliberal crisis. His focus is on reviving American hegemony, even at the cost of traditional alliances.
- Hegemony Without Restraint: The U.S. is now violating the very international order it helped establish in 1945. Its use of power is often random and reckless, without strategic coherence.
Rise of China and Strategic Rivalry
- Challenge to U.S. Dominance: China’s economic strength, technological growth, and global influence have made it the key challenger to U.S. power. This strategic competition began before Trump.
- Global Power Shift: With the U.S. economy at $30 trillion and China at $20 trillion, a new Cold War is taking shape. A U.S.-China consensus could limit the influence of other powers like India.
- Focus on Asia-Pacific: Trump may reorient U.S. strategy to the Asia-Pacific. Previous tactics like tariff wars failed, as China stood firm. The U.S.-China rivalry will dominate global affairs.
India’s Strategic Dilemma in a Polarized World
- Erosion of Strategic Autonomy: India’s deepening ties with the U.S. and Quad show a shift. It avoided condemning U.S. and Israeli attacks, indicating reduced foreign policy independence.
- Balancing Security Needs: Facing territorial tensions with China, India needs support from the U.S., Russia, and France. But dependence may compromise sovereignty and autonomy.
- Costs of Alignment: After the Pahalgam attack, Trump claimed credit for resolving tensions with Pakistan. Such interference risks India being treated like a dependent ally, limiting multipolar opportunities.
BRICS, SCO, and the Global South
- Weakness of Regional Forums: The SCO is dominated by China, while BRICS lacks internal coherence, making them weak platforms for global action.
- Need for Clear Positions: India must oppose aggression against BRICS members. Strategic neutrality weakens Global South solidarity and India’s credibility in multilateral forums.
- Alignment Undermines Representation: India’s strategic bond with the U.S. reduces its ability to advocate for Global South interests, affecting its role in a multipolar world.
The Future of the Global South
- Consequences of U.S. Policies: Trump’s trade wars and tariffs will harm Global South economies, leading to job losses and financial instability.
- Failure of Multilateralism: With traditional institutions failing, mini-lateralism and South-South cooperation must emerge to tackle issues like debt and climate change.
- India’s Leadership Opportunity: India must strategically engage with the Global South to address economic and environmental challenges. A clear and independent policy is needed to counter U.S. hegemony.
Question for practice:
Examine how the resurgence of U.S. imperialism under Donald Trump impacts global power dynamics and India’s strategic autonomy.
