Written By Aneeza Atif Anarchy has entered, history has returned, state is back, nationalism is on the rise, globalization is on the retreat...
Written By Aneeza Atif
Anarchy has entered, history has returned, state is back, nationalism is on the rise, globalization is on the retreat, world order is in transition, and human rights paradigm lost in the sands of national interest. Welcome to the world we’ve just stepped into!
One man has rejoined the White House as the 47th president of United States and his powers undoubtedly make him the most powerful global leader. Certain remarkable shifts in global politics have been witnessed ever since with sensational buzzes on media platforms worldwide. The past few months have been marred by heated debates and discussions, controversy and drama. The citizens of United States remain hanging somewhere between unjust support for Israel and aggravating tariffs with China. Looming social unrest and commerce uncertainty show no relief to the native American population. On contrary, students and employees from global south are met with visa extension tensions.
As the old Chinese saying goes, “When the winds of change blow, some build walls while others build windmills.” Global investors are witnessing that the world’s two biggest economies are making different choices between walls and windmills." Today, global politics is shaped by US-China trade war. The era of interdependence is fading and lines of national interest are evident. Tensions related to tariffs and custom duties is high and so are trade bans. The economic growth globally is uncertain and unstable. Great power competition exists between US, China and the emerging India. While most countries were offered temporary relief, China was explicitly excluded from the tariff pause. Trump doubled down on his hardline stance, raising tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%. When factoring in an earlier 20% duty imposed at the start of the year, the total cost of tariffs on Chinese goods entering the U.S. now sits at 145%. Trump justified the decision based on a “lack of respect” from Beijing. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that the era of China “ripping off” the U.S. was over and that new measures would force a reset in trade dynamics. The entire global trade and commerce industry awaits how events unfold in the near future.
Both military and economic superpowers can not sustain such a cold war for a very long time. In addition, the repercussions of this competition shall do no good to the rest of the world. Inflation for almost all goods has reached an all time high, prices soaring up and the common man trying to grab the ladder to afford the basic commodities for himself and his loved ones.
Earlier this year, Russian and Ukrainian counterparts had a heated and controversial discussion at the Oval Office which was proved unfruitful. Instead of a resolution to the crisis, Trump emerged triumphant out of that debate. Its almost like the camera lens is focused on what that one human decides, but is it all his sole choice that runs the world?
This regime of Donald Jr Trump is marked by wealthy right man's uncanny support. A person trying to control government spending but still being the richest man on the planet. The newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is centred on termination of unnecessary agreements for cost-effective budgeting. Reports link the shutting down of decades old US-Aid programme to this department.
Decades long pondering rather unattended issue of Palestinian lands also converges with Trump policies after reliance on destiny. The Palestine issue is, at its core, a human problem, not a political pawn and it's time for the world to recognize and address the devastating impact of decades-long conflict on the Palestinian people. The Trump administration's policies on Palestine have left many feeling disillusioned. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocating the US embassy was a blatant disregard for Palestinian rights. The 2020 peace plan, allowing Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, crushed Palestinian hopes of statehood. Present tenure’s turn of events and Trump's proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and displace Palestinians has sparked widespread condemnation. He suggested that the US would dismantle unexploded bombs, level the site and get rid of destroyed buildings, envisioning a new "Riviera" in the area. The plan has been criticized globally, with many considering it a form of "ethnic cleansing" and a violation of international law. Palestinians, Arab nations, the UN, and human rights experts have all denounced the proposal. His comments have also raised questions about the potential use of US troops in Gaza, with the president refusing to rule out the possibility. The international community has expressed concerns about the legality and feasibility of Trump's plan, as well as the potential consequences for the region.
In the shadows of the Panama Canal and Canada-US trade debates, the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities are often reduced to mere whispers. Maria, a native Panamanian, has witnessed the erosion of her community's way of life. "We've lost our land, our water, our culture," she laments. "How much more must we sacrifice?" Meanwhile, families like the Smiths, who own a small business near the US-Canada border, worry about the impact of Trump's tariffs on their livelihood. For Trump, these issues are mere political fodder. But for Maria, the Smiths, and countless others, they represent a fundamental human struggle: the right to dignity, justice, and self-determination. Their stories are a testament to the human cost of politics, and a reminder that the true price of progress is too often paid by those who can least afford it.
As the US slashes aid and scholarships, a generation of students is being forced to abandon their dreams of higher education, a stark illustration of the Trump administration's far-reaching impact on global politics. The ripple effects of Trump's policies are devastating: futures put on hold, and the very fabric of social mobility torn apart. For students like Emily, a bright and ambitious American who relied on federal aid to pursue her degree, the loss is deeply personal. Without support, she's being priced out of her own future, a fate shared by countless others. This is just one example of how Trump's "America First" agenda has had a profound impact on global politics, eroding international cooperation, exacerbating inequality, and undermining the very foundations of democratic societies.
The recent escalation between India and Pakistan, hostile neighbours in the South Asia has provided a playing field to the Trump administration. Donald Trump's recent claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has been met with scepticism. Critics argue that Trump's intervention was more of a face-saving measure for the Modi regime, rather than a genuine attempt at neutrality. The timing of the ceasefire announcement coincides with the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project, which could potentially benefit India economically.
However, it's essential to note that IMEC is still in its conceptual phase, with no practical steps taken towards its implementation. The project aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through advanced transport and energy infrastructure, but its success depends on regional cooperation, significant investment, and overcoming geopolitical challenges.
In reality, the ceasefire was likely the result of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, rather than Trump's public claims of mediation. As the situation in South Asia continues to evolve, it's crucial to approach any claims of mediation or intervention with a critical eye, recognizing the complex web of interests and alliances at play.
The Trump administration's handling of global conflicts raises questions about its commitment to peace. The administration's inaction on the Russo-Ukraine issue and its silence on the Palestinian crisis have been deafening, highlighting a disturbing pattern of selective intervention. This inconsistency in promoting peace has led many to wonder if this is a hallmark of Trump's ideology. The data suggests that Trump's approval ratings have declined across various demographic groups, with many Americans expressing disapproval of his handling of key issues, including foreign policy. It’s also worth noting that the US has a history of selective outrage when it comes to international conflicts. For instance, the US has been criticized for its support of Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, despite the devastating humanitarian consequences. This perceived hypocrisy undermines the US's credibility as a proponent of peace and raises questions about its true motives in international conflicts.
As Nelson Mandela once said, "Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have." His words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine efforts towards peace. Ultimately, Trump's role in promoting world peace will be a decisive factor in shaping the future of global power politics.
Trump is a man people love to hate. And yet many admire him for navigating choppy political waters with admirable skills. Anarchy has entered, history has returned, state is back, nationalism is on the rise, globalization is on the retreat, world order is in transition, and human rights paradigm lost in the sands of national interest. Welcome to the world we’ve just stepped into!
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