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

How natural and organic farming can be a key to combating the climate crisis

By Raj Kumar Sinha* On July 9, while addressing the “Sahkar Samvad” in Ahmedabad with women and workers associated with cooperatives from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that natural farming is essential for both our health and the health of the soil. This is a significant statement in the context of addressing the climate change crisis. Natural farming can play a crucial role in combating climate change. Also known as organic farming, it is a system of agriculture that can increase food production without harming the environment. Natural farming has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 35% to 50%.

100 yrs of RSS as seen by global media house: Power, controversy, push for Hindu-first India

By Rajiv Shah On a blistering summer evening in Nagpur, nearly a thousand men in brown trousers, white shirts, and black caps stood in formation as a saffron flag was raised, marking a graduation ceremony for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers. This vivid scene, described in a recent FT Weekend Magazine article, “A hundred years after it was founded, India's Hindu-nationalist movement is getting closer to its goal of a Hindu-first state,” captures the enduring presence of the RSS, a century-old Hindu-nationalist organization.

Another 'honor' killing in Tamil Nadu: Caste pride has murdered love, again

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Once again, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a brutal so-called 'honor' killing. This time, it is Kevin Selvaganesh, a 27-year-old software engineer from the Scheduled Caste community, who has been hacked to death by the family of the girl he loved since childhood. Kevin, a brilliant student employed at Tata Consultancy Services, was in a relationship with Subashini, his schoolmate and girlfriend. The couple, both well-educated and professionally qualified, had plans to marry. Yet, that love story ended in bloodshed — sacrificed at the altar of caste pride.

Why is India’s cheetah project under fire? Study flags ecological, social, species injustices

By Rajiv Shah A recent peer-reviewed study has sharply criticized Project Cheetah—India’s high-profile initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild—as ethically compromised, scientifically flawed, and socially unjust. Titled “Delineating the Environmental Justice Implications of an Experimental Cheetah Introduction Project in India”, the paper is authored by Yashendu C. Joshi, Stephanie E. Klarmann, and Louise C. de Waal, and was published in Frontiers in Conservation Science.

The myth of population decline: India’s real challenge is density, not fertility

By N.S. Venkataraman* India’s population in 2025 stands at approximately 1.4 billion. In 1950, it was 359 million, rising sharply to 1.05 billion by 2000. The population continues to grow and is projected to reach around 1.7 billion by 2050.

Siang dam project sparks debate over security, development, and displacement in Arunachal

By Aarna Gupta* The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, India, has emerged as a contentious initiative shaped by strategic, environmental, and social concerns. Indian officials, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, have voiced strong support for the project. One of the primary motivations is China’s plan to build a 60,000 MW hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the upper stretch of the Brahmaputra) in Tibet, which Indian authorities see as a threat to water and national security. In response, the 11,000 MW Siang Dam, with its 9 billion cubic meter reservoir, is viewed as a necessary countermeasure to manage water flow and reduce vulnerability.

Shanghai Textbook reassessed: Between revolutionary rhetoric and economic reality

By Harsh Thakor "Maoist Economics and the Revolutionary Road to Communism: The Shanghai Textbook on Socialist Political Economy" (1975) presents a detailed exposition of the Chinese perspective on socialist political economy under Mao . Developed during the Cultural Revolution, it outlines a theoretical framework for the functioning of a socialist alternative to capitalism. The book was formulated under the direction of Zhang Chunqiao, who played a central role in discussions, content planning, and final reviews of the draft.

Trump’s tariff tactics are a geopolitical bully move that may backfire

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose high tariffs on Indian goods is yet another example of his aggressive, unilateralist economic policy—an attempt to pressure and punish rather than to negotiate. This is not an isolated action. Trump has shown similar hostility toward other countries aligned with the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—reflecting his disdain for multipolar global cooperation and his desire to maintain American economic supremacy at all costs.

Search This Blog