What does Trump's second term as US president mean for the world?
Jan 20, 2025
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Scott Lucas, a US and international politics expert, Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow focusing on China's global perspective, and Natasha Lindstaedt, a foreign policy professor, dive into the ramifications of Donald Trump's potential second term. They discuss how his America First policy could challenge the post-World War II international order. Insights include shifts in U.S.-China relations, the complexities of Middle East politics under Trump, and broader implications for global stability and democracy, painting a vivid picture of what the world might face.
Trump's second term is expected to mirror his first with aggressive domestic policies like mass deportations and high tariffs, especially towards China.
His administration may further undermine global human rights norms, potentially empowering authoritarian regimes and challenging the U.S.'s moral authority internationally.
Deep dives
Trump's Anticipated Executive Actions
Donald Trump is expected to quickly implement a series of executive orders upon assuming his second presidential term. These actions are likely to include mass deportations and aggressive tariffs, particularly against China, which could be set as high as 60%. Furthermore, there is concern that the stripping of rights for women and LGBTQ individuals will accompany the deregulation of the fossil fuel industry, impacting climate change efforts. This chaotic approach mirrors the first term, indicating a continuation of Trump's disruptive tactics in both domestic and foreign policies.
Global Reactions and Negotiation Strategies
The international landscape has changed significantly since Trump's first term, with countries like China preparing for potential shockwaves from a new administration. While leaders in China exhibit cautious optimism regarding Trump, they remain wary of his negotiating style, which often involves making exaggerated threats to gain leverage. The expectation is that Trump may backtrack on extreme measures like high tariffs while using them as bargaining chips to manipulate deals in his favor. His interactions with Xi Jinping suggest a nuanced approach, balancing friendly gestures with aggressive economic rhetoric.
Implications for Human Rights and Global Order
Trump's return to the presidency raises concerning implications for human rights both in the U.S. and globally. His admiration for authoritarian figures suggests a potential for undermining international norms and could empower autocratic regimes. Critics highlight that Trump's actions may lead to a greater erosion of human rights protections, exacerbating the deterioration of the U.S.'s moral authority in global affairs. Overall, the second Trump administration is likely to exacerbate tensions within the existing world order, challenging international cooperation and legal frameworks.
The world is looking ahead to Donald Trump's second term as US president. What can it expect from Trump 2.0? And will his America First policy conflict with the world order, created and led by Washington since World War Two?
In this Episode:
Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, University College, Dublin.
Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Taihe Institute.
Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor of Government, University of Essex.
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