Former President Donald Trump dramatic comeback and assuming presidency will allow him to enact an updated version of America’s first policy or reshape its destiny. On a broader context, it has been important to keep the full impact which could be negative and positive of America’s first agenda in perspective. A new doctrine which has been more focusing on military assertiveness and on economic nationalism as top most priority. But the contours will be determined by a complex interplay of global realities, China factor, Ukraine conflict, Middle East prevailing tensions along with evolving dynamics in Indo-Pacific.
At the core of its policy, Trump believes that America get a raw deal from the Liberal international order which helped to create and has led since WWII, and accordingly seeks to recalibrate America Ambition. US national interest became globalized as America set about using its hegemonic leadership to fashion a new world order. Though, while allowing US to flourish, also carried substantial costs with emergence of economic challenges from other states.
Agenda which gained prominence in 2016 prioritized domestic interests over international commitments. Proponents of approach focused more on safeguarding jobs, strengthening national sovereignty and protecting America’s culture from Globalist influences. But now the potential regime presidency might have intentions to double down policies. Involving withdrawing from international agreements, renegotiating trade deals and most importantly further limiting immigration. However, critics warn that such an approach might lead US to isolation, by undermining universal stability and exacerbating domestic divisions.
On the other hand, this year 2025 could be turning point where America’s ideology is challenged by broader reimagining of nation’s role in world. Growing segment of population is more inclined towards inclusive and globally engaged America, thus shows shift towards more balancing approach towards national interests with global responsibilities. It will be a challenging factor how US will respond to 21st century challenges in such a transformation.
The directions US takes will definitely have profound implications globally. Such a revival movement could embolden the nationalist movements elsewhere, further fragmenting the world order. Conversely, shift toward more holistic approach could foster collective action on several issues like climate change, pandemics and economic inequality.
Trump is unpredictable, self-awakening trend which he may accelerate, Moscow or Beijing might get the opposite. Many analysts are of the view that he is unpredictable but he isn’t as many think, throughout the election campaigns he mentioned his intentions to raise tariffs, peace in Ukraine and squeezing allies on defense spending, undoubtedly reading him still a challenge. His views are often contradictory, in railing against countering Beijing but without any doubts he has stronger aversion to systematic plans. This regime might find ways to improve previous term performance in all aspects, but if it was as easier to make America great again, someone would have done it by now.
It is quite clear that Trump has been following realist strategy and offensive in particular along with political strategy. The best language he had and still have been highlighting is power, thus a typical representation of power politics play. Trump 2.0 after coming to power began threatening rivals and allies also withdrawal form climate change agreement and WHO are core evidence of his moves.
European countries are concerned about their future that what possible measure they intend to take, reason is leadership of America doesn’t care what other’s think. In order to improve relations with US some have taken preemptive measures like Saudi Arabia. Columbia is not only the country to counter strategies of Trump alone but Mexico and Canada are also concerned about his expansionist policies. States are already pursuing measures to tackle the pressure and threats from US, as clearly indicated by Trump that he may violate sovereignty of some allies in case if they do not abide to his policies. Question remains: Will America forge a new path forward or double on its past?
Trump foreign policy, seeks to reestablish its ties with adversaries for its economic and military dominance that could favor them preferably. When it comes Trumps top most priorities it aligns with India as well, in countering Chinese expansionism and its participation in multilateral forums like QUAD.
Last but not least, unforeseen challenges can derail the best even the best-laid plans. Trump need to delve deeper into the thoughts that his tenure begins amidst global uncertainties.
