Donald Trump has established the America First policy at the forefront of his governance and political diplomacy in his second term. But putting American interests first, as this situation has already demonstrated, be it right or wrong, would prove a danger to the global community. After decades of campaigning under such slogans in presidential elections, Trump has an opportunity to do the same in the upcoming excitement of elections in 2024. Trump's campaign succeeded beyond expectation in his run for president of the world's strongest and powerful democracy. Having taken his presidential chair, Trump could not be any clearer in stating, "America first is a key element of his governance and core philosophy". Donald Trump also invoked America first in his campaign for the 2016 presidency and presidency (2017-2021), underscoring the withdrawal from international treaties and organizations in the administration's foreign policy. Now, Trump is determined to roll this slogan into play through his second non-consecutive term. Considering how the India-US relationship may unfold with Mr. Trump seemingly uncertain, Johan Lipnski, director of elections in NBC News, said Trump focused largely on the America First campaign; and thus he focused particularly on economic issues, including trade and immigration. He said these issues will prove very consequential for India.
We also know there are known unknowns.’’ Rumsfeld a wily bureaucratic operator of good reputation who endorsed Trump in 2016, would face a challenge trying to figure out the known’s from unknowns in Trump’s second term. What distinctive principles will if any govern Trump’s foreign policy? Which ideas and allies will catch his imagination? One does not known which fiends will become foes and which enemies will be friends? One fails to understand will he work as per his whims or float disruptive ideas and forget them
The broad contours of Trump’s approach to foreign policy, "America First’’ have been known for some time, but how they will determine and shape up in 2025 and beyond is the real unknown un-known and there are many more unknowns in future. As his approach to government in general, disruption seems to be key or raisin deter of Trump’s evolving foreign policy. In fact his second inning will be more or less like his first "American First" benchmark. Trump’s secretary of state, Sen Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that US would remain committed to close allies, including Israel and Taiwan but not NATO. World issues that do not "further American interests", such as Ukraine and foreign assistance will be subject to close scrutiny. This approach is based on the fact and focused and judicious use of military might not only to deter adversaries but if deterrence fails, to fight and win our nation’s war. Utilizing US military power for its intended purpose ensures America does not become entangled in prolonged efforts such as nation-building exercises abroad.
An America First approach to foreign policy is based on the idea that America is best positioned to lead in the world and preserve peace and stability when it places the safety, prosperity and overall well-being of the US people first. This doctrine is a deviation from the current Washington approach gives priority to the preservation of the multinational processes over the protection of US interests. However one should understand and appreciate that America First does not imply America alone and it does not connote return to isolationism. An America first approach to foreign policy acknowledges the reality of the world for what it is and other nations for what they are not what the US foreign policy will like them to be. This premise shows the surest path to working productively with other nations in a manner that furthers American interests and security while avoiding economic overreach and unnecessary military conflicts. This approach is based on the fact and focused and judicious use of military might not only to deter adversaries but if deterrence fails, to fight and win our nation’s war. Utilizing US military power for its intended purpose ensures America does not become entangled in prolonged efforts such as nation-building exercises abroad. The America First approach to foreign policy enabled the US to strengthen relationships with allies around the globe while creating new opportunities to work with them, as exemplified by the historic Abraham Accords agreement.
The America First Agenda is outlined as follows:-
End military or tax dollars for rebuilding nations. Support policies that require federal funding - defense, diplomacy, or foreign assistance - to be tied to specific objectives that derive clear benefits for the American people. Reform foreign assistance, particularly through institutions like the US International Development Corporation, to support investments in local partnerships with benefits to their communities. Give priority funding consideration to nations willing to fight for their own against common threats, bolstered by the displayed willingness of those nations to contribute their fair share toward collective defense efforts. Seek to work with nations that will contribute their fair share to our alliances .Do not sacrifice national security to multilateral bodies and other nations.
President Trump has sent shockwaves through the world with many foreign policy moves, such as halting foreign aid and saying that the U.S. should take over Gaza. Earlier this week, Trump pressured the Jordanian king to accept Palestinian refugees, with the U.S. poised to 'take over and redevelop Gaza.' Just yesterday he said Ukraine would have to give up territory to achieve peace with Russia; as Franco Ordonez, an NPR reporter, stated, those are just some examples of dozens of moves in Trump's foreign policy that have rattled the globe.
In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed a new golden age for America. He said that from this day forth, America would thrive and once again be respected all over the world. In the hours and days afterwards, Trump unveiled the suspension of foreign aid. He terminated the USAID and renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. The moves had already raised questions over whether Trump's America First movement has shifted from isolation to imperialism. Modi said that however India is an ally, Mr. Trump's behavior had been seen as "out of portfolio" with allies too; considering how even a strong relationship with Canada could not save the latter from tariffs and even on the immigration front he stated, "Trump wants concessions, and he wants concessions from friends." To conclude, it is unavoidable to admit that Trump's America first approach is capable of creating large-scale chaos in its relationship with the world, especially with developing countries. America first is not doing good, either in broader terms for world politics or at the diplomatic level.
(Vivek Koul)
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