The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series American and Indian Relations Sour || Peter Zeihan
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Aug 26, 2025 The discussion centers on the deteriorating relationship between the United States and India, particularly due to failed trade agreements and high tariffs. It delves into how rising right-wing populism is complicating global relations and influencing India's stance. Additionally, the conversation sheds light on India's strategic isolation and its focus on regional issues, revealing the complexities of its relationships with China and Russia amid this shifting geopolitical landscape.
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Populism Undermines International Consensus
- Right-wing populist governments prioritize national uniqueness over international consensus, destabilizing traditional cooperative norms.
- Without shared liberal rules, formerly stable relationships can more easily turn adversarial across many domains.
History Repeats Without The Same Tools
- The erosion of liberal consensus echoes pre-World War era dynamics, increasing the chance that small disputes escalate into larger conflicts.
- Modern states lack multi-theater military capacity, but reduced economic interdependence still makes minor flaps risky.
Assuming Special Treatment Backfires
- Trump and Modi assumed special bilateral treatment would secure a quick trade deal, but that expectation failed against structural realities.
- India has never really had a free trade agreement, so enthusiasm for a fast deal ignored historical patterns.