Trump’s America First Policy and Global Impact 
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Source: The post Trump’s America First Policy and Global Impact has been created, based on the article “The Trump card, global politics and outcomes for India” published in “The Hindu” on 14th January 2025 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  

Context: The article discusses Donald Trump’s leadership style, his “America First” approach, and its global impacts. It highlights rising protectionism, U.S.-China tensions, challenges for global institutions, and implications for India-U.S. relations, particularly in defense, trade, and countering China. 

For detailed information on Trump’s Re-election and India US Relations read this article here 

What is Trump’s Policy Approach? 

  1. Trump follows an “America First” policy that prioritizes U.S. sovereignty over global governance.
  2. He dislikes multilateral agreements, as seen with his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership.
  3. He prefers bilateral agreements and criticizes organizations like the United Nations and NATO, arguing they harm U.S. interests.

How Does Trump Impact Global Politics? 

Trump’s policies promote protectionism and disrupt global stability. 

  1. Trade Wars: His policies create tariffs and trade conflicts, especially with China.
  2. China-U.S. Tensions: He sees China as an economic and ideological rival, increasing competition, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
  3. Global Institutions: His skepticism weakens international law and fosters nationalism.
  4. Climate Policy: He downgrades climate action, impacting global agreements.

For detailed information on Donald Trump’s return as U.S. President and its impact on South Asia read this article here 

How Will Trump’s Leadership Affect India-U.S. Relations? 

  1. Strategic Partnership: India-U.S. relations will continue evolving due to shared interests, especially in countering China’s aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control.
  2. Defense Cooperation: Defense ties will strengthen, and collaboration on critical technologies is expected to grow, provided the U.S. avoids using export controls as leverage.
  3. The Quad: The U.S. will likely strengthen the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
  4. India’s Strategic Autonomy: While partnering with the U.S., India will maintain independence in its foreign policy to align with its geopolitical priorities.
  5. Prime Ministerial Bond: The warm relationship between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump may further ease bilateral cooperation.

What Should India Prioritize Strategically? 

  1. India needs to focus on its priorities while partnering with the U.S.:
  2. Defense and Border Security: Strengthen military modernization and counterterrorism efforts to counter threats from China’s military aggression and cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
  3. Energy Security: Diversify energy sources and focus on renewable energy to ensure stable supplies from key partners.
  4. Economic Growth: Ensure peace in South Asia and neutralize destabilizing influences from China and Pakistan.
  5. India must strengthen its future capabilities:
  6. Technology: Emphasize digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
  7. Soft Power: Promote democracy, pluralism, and diaspora engagement.
  8. Russia Relations: Maintain ties with Russia to balance Sino-Russian influence in the region.

What Does Trump’s Return Mean for the Global Order? 

  1. Disruption of Global Order: Trump’s return could weaken multilateralism and global institutions like the UN and NATO, as seen during his first term.
  2. Rising Protectionism: His policies encourage tariffs and trade wars, impacting global markets and increasing economic uncertainty.
  3. Global Polarization: Ian Bremmer’s “G-Zero world” highlights a future dominated by self-interest and instability.

Question for practice: 

Examine how Donald Trump’s “America First” policy impacts global politics and India-U.S. relations. 


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