The ink on the ballots has run dry, and the world is bracing itself for another Trump administration. Headlines ablaze with phrases like “Trump Triumphs,” “The Return of the Outsider,” and “America First Strikes Back” capture the shock, excitement, and trepidation across the world. In capitals from Tokyo to London, people are debating what this Trump victory means for the United States of America and the broader world order. Media houses are buzzing with analyses and projections, divided between critics who warn of political instability and disciples who champion his “America First” vision for the nation’s revival. The question here is no longer “How did we get here?" but instead, “Where are we going?”
In a lot of ways, Donald Trump’s re-election is a promise to transpose the typical dynamics of international relations, reshaping partnerships and rivalling nations like Russia, China, and North Korea.
In his previous term, Trump took an unconventional approach to diplomacy, whether it was his shocking one-on-one meetings with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, his chaotic yet occasionally successful dialogues with Russian President Vladimir Putin, or his ruthless tariff wars with China’s Xi Jinping. His second term expects to see bolder, if not brazen, foreign policies that could potentially alter the course of history and even complicate the USA's stand on various important issues. Few countries are expecting both the escalation of tensions and the possibility of unprecedented diplomatic developments, despite how compromising those might be.
For one, North Korea might welcome Trump with open arms, albeit the one who is willing to negotiate. Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, seemed to thrive under Trump's diplomacy, which included a combination of threats and praise.
For instance, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with Kim Jong-un. The summits—the first in Singapore in 2018 and the second in Hanoi in 2019—saw a wild turn from the aggressive rhetoric of “fire and fury” to developing a more personal rapport. It is arguable that these meetings lacked substance since North Korea continued to build its nuclear arsenal and test missiles. However, now that Trump is returning to office, he may rekindle this relationship in hopes for denuclearisation talks.
No other relationship in the history of international policies has ever defined Trump’s foreign policy like that with China. He declared war by imposing heavy tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods in order to curb the US trade deficit and address intellectual property theft. This measure had a major impact on prodding the Western allies to have a stronger stance.
The US went on to pursue the Phase One trade deal with China, where China warranted an increase in American imports. Extending into tech, his administration also banned companies like Huawei and TikTok over concerns about data privacy and security. An increase in restrictions can be anticipated to further decouple from China's economy. While this would protect US interests, it could also strain global supply chains and even compel China to take retaliatory actions, pushing both countries into a cold war-like situation.
Often described as unusually cordial, Trump's relationship with Russia was often in light of both fascination and criticism. In 2018, he was criticised for siding with Putin over US intelligence during a joint press conference in Helsinki regarding the Russian interference in the 2016 elections. While this was argued to be a display of disturbing leniency towards Moscow, some saw it as a pragmatic approach to avoid conflict. This created a confusing dynamic where Trump enforced sanctions while expressing admiration for Putin's leadership.
These diplomatic approaches embody Trump’s style: direct, unfiltered, and most importantly, transactional. Not only does it yield short-term gains, but it also creates an environment of unpredictability, where allies and rivals alike are constantly adjusting to America’s shifting positions.
However, the implications are not restricted to global relations. Domestically, it would exacerbate the cultural unrest that has defined American politics for ages. Trump's return signifies the rejection of the so-called "Washington elite" and the strengthening of populist beliefs and sentiments that resonate with millions of Americans. For his supporters, it would be a symbol of the restoration of values that they believed were under siege. The critics, however, predict a future where society is hanging off the cliff of empathy.
Hoping to spur the growth of business and market boom achieved in his first term, Trump would likely champion deregulation and tax cuts. However, his approach towards US-China relations could send ripples across the international markets, increasing volatility and leaving investors in a state of high alert. Concurrently, Trump’s commitment to reduce the trade imbalances can reshape the countries role in providing humanitarian aid and peacekeeping.
But how did Donald Trump manage to stage this comeback and defeat the most promising candidate—Kamala Harris—in the presidential elections? The list of factors is endless. The first would be his unparalleled ability to turn public sentiment in his favour and rally his bases. He has always maintained a loyal voter segment that feels unheard by mainstream politicians. On the other hand, Harris faced a lot of challenges trying to appease the democratic bloc, wherein the progressives and moderates often found themselves at odds. Trump’s straightforward and unapologetic rhetoric of the nostalgic notion of greatness ultimately resonated louder, while Harris struggled to convince the voters of a unified vision of the future.
It is worth noting that Trump's victory isn't all doom and gloom. His focus on national pride and economic recovery, along with the promise to reduce international involvement, are some undeniable positives that the citizens celebrate, tired of the constant overseas conflicts. He challenges the existing confines of the political world and represents the much-needed disruption to the game of chair. For better or for worse, Trump's return as president will be as unpredictable and dichotomising as the first, if not more so, shifting the tides of global power and influencing the lives of those both within and outside of the United States.
As the world recovers from this insane political comeback, theres something that we as voters should ponder upon: What kind of world are we truly building with the leaders we choose? The responsibility, now more than ever, is ours.
Share your perspective—what do you see as the stakes, the risks, or the potential rewards of this political shift? Comment down below or send us your thoughts at larra@globalindiannetwork.com and join the conversation.
