Trump’s Second Term: Balancing ‘America First’ With Global Realities
WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) US President Donald Trump’s second term has drawn criticism on three main fronts: his ‘America First’ policy edging the US toward isolationism, a focus on tariffs reinforcing his image as a business leader rather than a statesman, and a rise in anti-liberal rhetoric that contrasts with America’s democratic legacy.
Trump’s determination to maintain US global supremacy is clear in his tough stance on Islamic terrorism, a rising China leveraging trade to challenge US dominance, and what he sees as exploitation of American generosity by allied countries.
His administration has been deeply engaged in international diplomacy, spearheading negotiations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Notably, Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, although he retracted his suggestion to mediate Kashmir, respecting India’s preference for direct dialogue.
The India-Pakistan military standoff, marked by India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist bases inside Pakistan, ended with Pakistan seeking a ceasefire after retaliatory missile strikes. Indian officials framed this as a demonstration of responsible peacekeeping, despite domestic political debates.
Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) strategy prioritizes military and economic strength but has been criticized for neglecting the US’s traditional alliances with European and Asian democracies. His moves to withdraw from international liberal forums may yield short-term gains but risk weakening America’s long-term leadership role.
In the Middle East, Trump has shown a proactive approach. His visits to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar resulted in significant investment deals, while his lifting of sanctions on Syria, now under moderate leadership, was welcomed there. He continues to support Israel’s military presence in Gaza, despite international concerns over humanitarian impact following Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis.
Iran’s backing of Hamas further intensified Trump’s opposition to Tehran, though he remained engaged in efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sought a resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Throughout his term, Trump’s direct involvement in shaping US foreign and economic policy reflects his focus on what he perceives as America’s best interests.
India has navigated its relationship with the US under Trump with strategic prudence, fostering a strong bilateral partnership while firmly rejecting policies that threaten mutual interests. Indian diplomacy remains alert to the complexities of US-Pakistan ties, especially amid American financial aid to Pakistan aimed at countering Chinese influence.
India continues to urge a zero-tolerance stance on all terrorism, including cross-border attacks in Kashmir, aligning with Trump’s firm opposition to radical Islamic terrorism.
