US President Donald Trump has completed one year of his second term, and his policies have sent shockwaves across the global geopolitical landscape. From the military invasion of Venezuela to the persistent demand for control over Greenland, Trump's actions have created a sense of instability among both allies and adversaries. The 'America First' agenda has now evolved into a direct challenge to the established international liberal order. Consequently, major powers like the European Union, India, and China are increasingly looking toward each. Other to establish a new world order that doesn't rely solely on American leadership. This shift marks a significant turning point in 21st-century diplomacy.
Trump's Pakistan Pivot and Tensions with India
A major highlight of Trump's second term is the unexpected warming of relations with Pakistan. While his first term was marked by a hardline stance against Islamabad, he has now designated Pakistan as a strategic partner, while this partnership includes deals over Balochistan's $6 trillion mineral reserves. In a move that has deeply affected bilateral ties with New Delhi, Trump imposed a mere 19% tariff on Pakistan while slapping a massive 50% tariff on Indian goods. This economic pressure has pushed India-US relations to an all-time low, forcing India to reconsider its strategic dependencies and look for new economic alliances in Europe and Asia.
Pakistan as a Strategic Tool for US Interests
Foreign policy experts suggest that the US interest in Pakistan is. Purely transactional and strategic rather than based on shared democratic values. The Trump administration seeks to maintain its influence in Iran and Afghanistan. Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan remains the only viable geographic and military gateway for the US to exert pressure in the region. By keeping the Pakistani military leadership close, Trump aims to secure American strategic interests in the Middle East and Central Asia. However, this reliance on a volatile partner like Pakistan is seen by. Many as a short-sighted move that undermines long-term stability in South Asia.
India's Enduring Importance and Pax Silica
Despite the trade friction, India remains a pillar that the US can't afford to lose entirely. As the world's fourth-largest economic power and a key democratic ally, India's role in countering China is indispensable. The US has invited India to join the 'Pax Silica' initiative, a strategic framework aimed at building a solid supply chain for semiconductors and AI technology. This initiative is designed to break China's technological monopoly. Also, Trump has included Prime Minister Modi in the Gaza Peace Plan Board, acknowledging India's growing diplomatic weight. This dual approach of economic pressure and strategic inclusion defines the complex nature of current India-US relations.
The Venezuela and Greenland Crisis
Trump's decision to launch a military offensive in Venezuela and detain President Nicolas Maduro has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations, Russia, and China, while even within the US, a faction of policymakers opposes this interventionist approach. Adding to the tension is Trump's renewed interest in Greenland. When European allies like Denmark, France, and the UK opposed American control over the territory, Trump threatened them with a 10% tariff. This aggressive stance toward NATO allies has weakened the alliance and prompted European nations to seek more autonomous foreign and defense policies, further distancing themselves from Washington's influence.
Emergence of a New World Order
The aggressive use of tariffs and military threats has led to a trust deficit between the US and the rest of the world. In response, India and the European Union are fast-tracking a major trade deal that could redefine global commerce. The world is witnessing a shift where democratic nations are looking for stability outside of American dominance, while india has emerged as a symbol of trust for the Global South and Asia. As Trump moves against globalization and free trade, his strategies might backfire in the 2026 mid-term elections. Meanwhile, the collaboration between India, China, and the EU suggests that a multi-polar. World order is no longer just a theory but a rapidly approaching reality.