Trump’s Second Term and the Shift in World Order
Why in the news
Commentators argued that Trump’s second term signals the end of the post-war rules-based order, replacing collective security with power politics.
Key facts
- The post-World War II system combined economic cooperation, collective security and self-determination; flawed, but it curbed the worst abuses by big powers.
- Pulling away from the Paris Accord, WHO and NATO leaves allies stranded; tariff wars and economic nationalism distort trade.
- Direct Trump contacts with Putin, without Ukraine at the table, hint at great-power deals at the cost of smaller states.
- US-Russia backchannel talks in Riyadh resemble old power deals, but look closer to surrender than a victor’s peace.
Redrawn power politics
- Russia gains as NATO weakens; abandoning Ukraine leaves Europe to manage its own security.
- China may extend its reach, particularly over Taiwan.
- An inward-looking America pays little heed to former allies.
What it means for India
- China’s assertiveness is a direct threat, especially along the McMahon line.
- India needs stronger, more defensive and offensive security partnerships.
- Global instability could hit domestic growth, so foreign policy must adapt.
Exam angle
- Organisations in focus: NATO, WHO, Paris Accord.
- US-Russia talks venue: Riyadh.
- Border reference: McMahon line.