What Trump Means for the world

If Trump were to action all his promises, the balance of power and configuration of alliances in different parts of the world would be significantly altered.

- Ashok Sajjanhar

AFTER THE UNEXPECTED upset win over Hillary Clinton on November 8, President-elect Donald Trump met the incumbent Barack Obama on November 11 to prepare for his swearing-in and assumption of charge on January 20, 2017.

The world is waiting with bated breath to see what changes Trump will introduce in pursuit of USA’s foreign policy. India is equally concerned and would like to find out how Trump will be different from his predecessor in his approach towards India and Asia (See box).

Trump is an enigma wrapped in mystery. During the election he said what the people wanted to hear. On most issues he does not appear to be stuck to definitive positions which in several ways is good because it gives him flexibility. Trump has often made off-the-cuff comments, been simplistic in his remarks, at times verging on the unintelligible about what his policies and behaviour might be.

Currently there is enormous uncertainty regarding the stance that Trump will adopt towards China, Russia, the Middle East, Europe and other countries. This in itself is having a negative impact on smooth conduct of international affairs and has increased apprehension and misgivings of the world about security and stability in vulnerable and fragile regions around the globe. He has made many controversial and contentious statements about several issues and countries during his campaign. The world is not certain what to make of these pronouncements. Should they be treated as election rhetoric or the basis on which his foreign policy will be constructed? On several issues Trump has continued to modify his position over time. This would give the impression and raise expectations that the policy he ultimately follows could be somewhat different from his declarations during the election process.