Skip to main content

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

TRENDING

From algorithms to exploitation: New report exposes plight of India's gig workers

By Jag Jivan   The recent report, "State of Finance in India Report 2024-25," released by a coalition including the Centre for Financial Accountability, Focus on the Global South, and other organizations, paints a stark picture of India's burgeoning digital economy, particularly highlighting the exploitation faced by gig workers on platform-based services. 

'Condonation of war crimes against women and children’: IPSN on Trump’s Gaza Board

By A Representative   The India-Palestine Solidarity Network (IPSN) has strongly condemned the announcement of a proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza and Palestine by former US President Donald J. Trump, calling it an initiative that “condones war crimes against children and women” and “rubs salt in Palestinian wounds.”

Gig workers hold online strike on republic day; nationwide protests planned on February 3

By A Representative   Gig and platform service workers across the country observed a nationwide online strike on Republic Day, responding to a call given by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) to protest what it described as exploitation, insecurity and denial of basic worker rights in the platform economy. The union said women gig workers led the January 26 action by switching off their work apps as a mark of protest.

India’s road to sustainability: Why alternative fuels matter beyond electric vehicles

By Suyash Gupta*  India’s worsening air quality makes the shift towards clean mobility urgent. However, while electric vehicles (EVs) are central to India’s strategy, they alone cannot address the country’s diverse pollution and energy challenges.

Jayanthi Natarajan "never stood by tribals' rights" in MNC Vedanta's move to mine Niyamigiri Hills in Odisha

By A Representative The Odisha Chapter of the Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), which played a vital role in the struggle for the enactment of historic Forest Rights Act, 2006 has blamed former Union environment minister Jaynaynthi Natarjan for failing to play any vital role to defend the tribals' rights in the forest areas during her tenure under the former UPA government. Countering her recent statement that she rejected environmental clearance to Vendanta, the top UK-based NMC, despite tremendous pressure from her colleagues in Cabinet and huge criticism from industry, and the claim that her decision was “upheld by the Supreme Court”, the CSD said this is simply not true, and actually she "disrespected" FRA.

Stands 'exposed': Cavalier attitude towards rushed construction of Char Dham project

By Bharat Dogra*  The nation heaved a big sigh of relief when the 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel (Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand) were finally rescued on November 28 after a 17-day rescue effort. All those involved in the rescue effort deserve a big thanks of the entire country. The government deserves appreciation for providing all-round support.

Whither space for the marginalised in Kerala's privately-driven townships after landslides?

By Ipshita Basu, Sudheesh R.C.  In the early hours of July 30 2024, a landslide in the Wayanad district of Kerala state, India, killed 400 people. The Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Vellarimala and Chooralmala villages in the Western Ghats mountain range turned into a dystopian rubble of uprooted trees and debris.

Over 40% of gig workers earn below ₹15,000 a month: Economic Survey

By A Representative   The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, while reviewing the Economic Survey in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighted the rapid growth of gig and platform workers in India. According to the Survey, the number of gig workers has increased from 7.7 million to around 12 million, marking a growth of about 55 percent. Their share in the overall workforce is projected to rise from 2 percent to 6.7 percent, with gig workers expected to contribute approximately ₹2.35 lakh crore to the GDP by 2030. The Survey also noted that over 40 percent of gig workers earn less than ₹15,000 per month.

Fragmented opposition and identity politics shaping Tamil Nadu’s 2026 election battle

By Syed Ali Mujtaba*  Tamil Nadu is set to go to the polls in April 2026, and the political battle lines are beginning to take shape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on January 23, 2026, marked the formal launch of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Addressing multiple public meetings, the Prime Minister accused the DMK government of corruption, criminality, and dynastic politics, and called for Tamil Nadu to be “freed from DMK’s chains.” PM Modi alleged that the DMK had turned Tamil Nadu into a drug-ridden state and betrayed public trust by governing through what he described as “Corruption, Mafia and Crime,” derisively terming it “CMC rule.” He claimed that despite making numerous promises, the DMK had failed to deliver meaningful development. He also targeted what he described as the party’s dynastic character, arguing that the government functioned primarily for the benefit of a single family a...