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Donald Trump’s landslide win presents some alarming repercussions for marginalised peoples and global stability. MAHMOOD SANGLAY offers a perspective on some key global issues in light of his election victory.
Trump’s domestic policies are closely aligned with a neoliberal, pro-corporate agenda that exacerbates inequality. Among his priorities are corporate deregulation, tax benefits for the wealthy and a lack of investment in social programmes. The second Trump administration will divert resources to more military spending and corporate tax cuts. This not only weakens support for America’s poor but also undercuts efforts to alleviate poverty abroad.
In his previous term he demonstrated a disregard for social welfare, as he cut funding for programmes intended to assist refugees and asylum seekers. These policies disproportionately affected those already vulnerable due to global conflicts, climate change and economic hardship. The absence of American aid, combined with Trump’s disregard for international humanitarian obligations, is likely to worsen conditions for the global poor, especially in conflict zones. While other Western economies face similar struggles with wealth inequality, the lack of a robust welfare system in the USA places marginalised peoples globally at greater risk under Trump’s policies. His approach diminishes social safety nets, creating an economy that could further disenfranchise both domestic and global marginalised groups.
Gaza and the rights of Palestinian
The re-election of Trump, as several experts suggest, is likely to be particularly detrimental to Palestinians and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Both the Democrat and Republican parties blindly support a foreign policy that endorses Israel’s actions, at the cost of Palestinians. Israel’s atrocities will continue with greater impunity. The only pressure Israel is likely to face is to expedite the ultimate objective of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘finishing the job’, which is to annex all remaining Palestinian territory and realising the Zionist vision of a greater Israel.
Both the Democrat and Republican parties have competed to appease Israeli interests. Trump’s previous term saw unprecedented support for Israel, including his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the expansion of US military aid, which effectively endorsed the systematic oppression of Palestinians.
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Trump’s close relationship with Netanyahu contributed to policies that openly disregarded Palestinian sovereignty and human rights. This relationship, marked by Trump’s symbolic gestures, such as renaming an Israeli settlement after him, underscores a significant shift in US policy that deprioritises Palestinian rights. Trump’s victory is expected to worsen this crisis by emboldening far-right elements in Israeli politics that align with Trump’s views. Also, Trump’s rhetoric paints Palestinian resistance as a security threat, framing Israel’s military aggression as justified self-defence.
Trump and the global economy
The implications of a second Trump presidency on the global economy are widely viewed with caution. His economic approach favours domestic corporate interests and protectionism, often at the expense of international economic stability. In addition, his ‘America First’ stance prioritises the reduction of trade deficits and manufacturing within the US, largely through tariffs and restrictions on foreign imports. During his first term these policies led to significant trade tensions, particularly with China and the European Union. Such isolationist measures can disrupt global markets, affecting developing economies that rely on trade with the US.
Trump’s protectionist policies are likely to destabilise vulnerable economies. He tends to view international trade through a competitive, zero-sum lens, which will hinder global economic cooperation. Similar protectionist sentiments have influenced European and Asian economies, intensifying nationalist rhetoric. Trump’s policies often marginalise poorer nations by prioritising American economic interests. His approach places countries reliant on US economic aid and trade at a disadvantage, furthering economic divides between the US and the global South.
Trump and global authoritarianism
One of the most serious implications of Trump’s return to power is the impact on global authoritarianism, particularly in countries that have flirted with or embraced autocratic governance. There are ominous parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and the behaviour of authoritarian leaders like Narendra Modi. He openly dismisses democratic norms, threatening to ‘drain the swamp’ and undermining the judiciary to normalise autocratic governance. In this way, Trump’s leadership potentially sets a dangerous precedent, creating space for other leaders to adopt similar tactics with fewer repercussions.
India’s Modi has faced criticism for his Hindu nationalist policies, which marginalise Muslim minorities. Trump’s disregard for democratic principles, combined with his pro-nationalist policies, could serve as an endorsement of Modi’s actions, emboldening him to intensify repressive measures.
The rise of right-wing populism is not unique to the US. Trump’s return to power adds legitimacy to leaders who might follow his example. There are clear risks associated with this normalisation, given that authoritarianism often spreads through ideological influence. Trump’s presidency could thus encourage the global shift towards authoritarianism, with leaders from countries like India, Argentina and the Philippines potentially mirroring Trump’s strategies to consolidate power.
There is a stark reality facing the world. Trump’s second presidency is likely to exacerbate existing social, political, and economic divides globally. Each area of concern – ranging from the plight of marginalised peoples to the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, economic disruption and the normalisation of authoritarianism – reveals the far-reaching impact of Trump’s leadership style and policies. Political commentators globally suggest that his re-election reaffirms the persistence of populist, nationalist ideologies, threatening democratic institutions and humanitarian principles worldwide.
