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

Designing the edge, erasing the river: Sabarmati Riverfront and the dissonance between ecology and planning

By Mansee Bal Bhargava, Parth Patel Across India, old black-and-white images of the Sabarmati River are often juxtaposed with vibrant photos of the modern Sabarmati Riverfront. This visual contrast is frequently showcased as a model of development, with the Sabarmati Riverfront serving as a blueprint for over a hundred proposed riverfront projects nationwide. These images are used to forge an implicit public consensus on a singular idea of development—shifting from a messy, evolving relationship between land and water to a rigid, one-time design intervention. The notion of regulating the unregulated has been deeply embedded into public consciousness—especially among city makers, planners, and designers. Urban rivers across India are undergoing a dramatic transformation, not only in terms of their land-water composition but in the very way we understand and define them. Here, we focus on one critical aspect of that transformation: the river’s edge.

Relevance of historical foot marches like Dandi and Salt march in achieving developmental goals in India

By Bharat Dogra India has a great tradition of organizing foot marches, including some which become historically very important, the most obvious example being the Dandi Salt March under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi which is a very important chapter in the freedom movement of India.

FSSAI defies Supreme Court order on food warning labels, citing 'trade secrets' for withholding vital information

By A Representative India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is facing strong criticism for deliberately delaying the implementation of crucial warning labels on High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) food products. This comes despite a clear Supreme Court order on April 9, 2025, which mandated the completion of the "entire exercise" within three months. Adding to the controversy, the FSSAI is reportedly hiding expert reports and over 14,000 public comments under the pretext of "trade secrets."

Ecological alarm over pumped storage projects in Western Ghats: Policy analyst writes to PM

By A Representative In a detailed letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, energy and climate policy analyst Shankar Sharma has raised grave concerns over the escalating approval and construction of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) across India’s ecologically fragile river valleys. He has warned that these projects, if pursued unchecked, could result in irreparable damage to the country’s riverine ecology, biodiversity hotspots, and forest wealth—particularly in the Western Ghats.

Bridge collapse near Vadodara fuels demand for urgent repairs in Amreli

By A Representative The tragic collapse of a bridge near Vadodara, which claimed more than 10 lives, has intensified calls from social workers for immediate repairs to a dilapidated and dangerous bridge on the Amreli-Rajkot highway in Amreli district.

Civil rights coalition condemns alleged abduction of activist Samrat Singh by Delhi police

By A Representative The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a collective of civil and democratic rights organisations, has strongly condemned what it describes as the illegal abduction of psychologist and social activist Samrat Singh by a team of Delhi Police officials. The incident occurred on the evening of July 12, 2025, at Singh’s residence in Yamunanagar, Haryana.

Radhika’s killing and the illusion of progress: A grim reminder of our communal codes

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* A young woman, a national-level athlete, was allegedly murdered by her father in Gurugram—initially portrayed as a case of wounded pride, mocked by locals for relying on his daughter's earnings. Yet deeper facts reveal a disturbing contradiction: this father lived comfortably, owning and renting out multiple houses in a posh locality. If he could invest in her education and coaching, why resent her success?

High tree mortality rates in plantation drives: Can deforestation be prevented through CAMPA?

By Raj Kumar Sinha* Our policies—especially those related to forests—are based on the assumption that we can regenerate natural resources after consumption. The Compensatory Afforestation Programme Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) reflects this idea. But can we truly restore lush green forests after clearing millions of acres? What has CAMPA actually achieved so far?

Primary sources of the underground Naxalite movement (1965–71): An analytical compilation

By Harsh Thakor* Voices from the Underground: Select Naxalite Documents (1965–71) is a compilation of documents and writings related to the Naxalite movement, spanning the period between 1965 and 1992. The collection includes materials not widely available through mainstream publishers and often considered controversial by the state. It is divided into two sections and contains eighteen documents authored by individuals associated with the movement.

Search This Blog