Trump's America First policy: Implications for international relations and climate goals

By Vikas Meshram*

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election heralds historical changes and shifts. His election result points towards a "Red Shift," signifying the growing influence of the Republican Party. The defeat of the Democrats and Trump's re-election could have long-term implications on U.S. politics, as Trump’s ideology is rooted in a specific brand of nationalism and his "America First" policy. This approach entails a strict stance on foreign policy and immigration issues.

With this victory, there is a likelihood of Trump and the Republican Party gaining substantial control over the legislative and executive branches. Consequently, several states, particularly swing states, may lean more toward the Republican Party. This evolving political direction could impact various U.S. policies, such as immigration policy, economic policy, and education and public policies.

Trump's previous policies had a negative impact on international efforts to address climate change. During his first term, he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, hampering global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Considering the goals of reducing carbon emissions, conserving biodiversity, and pursuing sustainable development by 2030, Trump’s policies could slow down progress. Trump emphasizes that climate change policies are secondary to the growth of American industries, thus promoting carbon-based industries. Internationally, America’s stance on these issues holds significant weight, as other nations look to the U.S. for leadership and support in tackling climate change. America’s shift in approach could reduce international cooperation, creating challenges in funding climate solutions.

The Sustainable Development Goals encompass providing financial aid to impoverished countries, protecting biodiversity, controlling carbon emissions, and preparing for future pandemics. Under Trump’s leadership, achieving these goals may prove challenging, as he has deprioritized funding for scientific research and public health. Trump took a tough stance on funding for organizations like the World Health Organization and scientific institutions, which may make it difficult to predict and respond to future pandemics. Additionally, Trump’s policies could pose challenges to organizations working on public health and climate change in the U.S. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and support for carbon-based industries could hinder progress toward sustainable development.

Trump faces several serious criminal charges, with the most notable being accusations of inciting the January 2021 Capitol attack. This event has sparked extensive debate, especially among his supporters who view him as a "political victim." He is implicated in an election interference attempt in Georgia, and there are allegations involving Stormy Daniels. While these charges were expected to diminish his support, his followers have dismissed these accusations as political interference. However, these issues raise questions about his role among opponents and present a negative image for those who challenge his leadership. Trump’s re-election could negatively impact America's international reputation. Many nations have cooperated with the U.S. on climate change and public health issues, trusting American leadership. However, Trump’s re-election could make it difficult to sustain international relations and agreements.

During his first term, Trump canceled several international agreements and took a hard stance on global policies led by the United Nations. If the U.S. reduces its contributions to climate change issues, international cooperation may be hindered. Moreover, Trump’s leadership could put pressure on the international scientific community in the U.S., potentially limiting scientific research and global cooperation.

Donald Trump’s potential victory in the 2024 election could bring significant changes to America’s political, economic, social, and international standing. His "America First" policy may diminish America’s role in global cooperation. Additionally, the criminal charges against him could pose challenges to his leadership. As a result, the impact of this election is likely to extend beyond the future of the U.S., affecting the political and social landscape of the entire world.

---

*Social activist

Comments

From plagiarism to proxy exams: Galgotias and systemic failure in education

By Sandeep Pandey* Shock is being expressed at Galgotias University being found presenting a Chinese-made robotic dog and a South Korean-made soccer-playing drone as its own creations at the recently held India AI Impact Summit 2026, a global event in New Delhi. Earlier, a UGC-listed journal had published a paper from the university titled “Corona Virus Killed by Sound Vibrations Produced by Thali or Ghanti: A Potential Hypothesis,” which became the subject of widespread ridicule. Following the robotic dog controversy coming to light, the university has withdrawn the paper. These incidents are symptoms of deeper problems afflicting the Indian education system in general. Galgotias merely bit off more than it could chew.

Farewell to Saleem Samad: A life devoted to fearless journalism

By Nava Thakuria* Heartbreaking news arrived from Dhaka as the vibrant city lost one of its most active and committed citizens with the passing of journalist, author and progressive Bangladeshi national Saleem Samad. A gentleman who always had issues to discuss with anyone, anywhere and at any time, he passed away on 22 February 2026 while undergoing cancer treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was 74.

From ancient wisdom to modern nationhood: The Indian story

By Syed Osman Sher South of the Himalayas lies a triangular stretch of land, spreading about 2,000 miles in each direction—a world of rare magic. It has fired the imagination of wanderers, settlers, raiders, traders, conquerors, and colonizers. They entered this country bringing with them new ethnicities, cultures, customs, religions, and languages.

The 'glass cliff' at Galgotias: How a university’s AI crisis became a gendered blame game

By Mohd. Ziyaullah Khan* “She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and in her enthusiasm of being on camera, gave factually incorrect information.” These were the words used in the official press release by Galgotias University following the controversy at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The statement came across as defensive, petty, and deeply insensitive.

Conversion laws and national identity: A Jesuit response response to the Hindutva narrative

By Rajiv Shah A recent book, " Luminous Footprints: The Christian Impact on India ", authored by two Jesuit scholars, Dr. Lancy Lobo and Dr. Denzil Fernandes , seeks to counter the current dominant narrative on Indian Christians , which equates evangelisation with conversion, and education, health and the social services provided by Christians as meant to lure -- even force -- vulnerable sections into Christianity.

Sergei Vasilyevich Gerasimov, the artist who survived Stalin's cultural purges

By Harsh Thakor* Sergei Vasilyevich Gerasimov (September 14, 1885 – April 20, 1964) was a Soviet artist, professor, academician, and teacher. His work was posthumously awarded the Lenin Prize, the highest artistic honour of the USSR. His paintings traced the development of socialist realism in the visual arts while retaining qualities drawn from impressionism. Gerasimov reconciled a lyrical approach to nature with the demands of Soviet socialist ideology.

Development vs community: New coal politics and old conflicts in Madhya Pradesh

By Deepmala Patel* The Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh, often described as “India’s energy capital,” has for decades been a hub of coal mining and thermal power generation. Today, the Dhirouli coal mine project in this district has triggered widespread protests among local communities. In recent years, the project has generated intense controversy, public opposition, and significant legal and social questions. This is not merely a dispute over one mine; it raises a larger question—who pays the price for energy development? Large corporate beneficiaries or the survival of local communities?

Development at what cost? The budget's blind spot for the environment

By Raj Kumar Sinha* The historical ills in the relationship between capital and the environment have now manifested in areas commonly referred to as the "environmental crisis." This includes global warming, the destruction of the ozone layer, the devastation of tropical forests, mass mortality of fish, species extinction, loss of biodiversity, poison seeping into the atmosphere and food, desertification, shrinking water supplies, lack of clean water, and radioactive pollution.

Public money, private profits: Crop insurance scheme as goldmine for corporates

By Vikas Meshram The farmer in India is not merely a food provider; he is the soul of the nation. For centuries, enduring natural calamities and bearing debt generation after generation while remaining loyal to the soil, this community now finds itself trapped in a different kind of crisis. In February 2016, the Modi government launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) with the stated objective of freeing farmers from the shackles of debt. It was an ambitious attempt to provide a strong safety net to cultivators repeatedly devastated by excessive rainfall, drought, and hailstorms.

Search This Blog