Newer world order in Trump era — and Pakistan

Express Tribune

a day ago

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After President Donald Trump's second coming to the Oval Office, the US ways, means and ends of foreign policy are witnessing a transformation. The evolving 'Newer World Order', though dynamic and transitory, needs to be understood. Deciphering President Trump's speeches, announcements, presidential orders, tweets and utterances of last five months, it can be concluded that "trade and tariffs" are the principle means of his interstate relations philosophy.
He is well focused at realising his electioneering slogan 'Make America Great Again', for which he is trying to rejuvenate the US economy, bring FDI, reinvigorate the industrial sector, create more jobs, secure US homeland against crimes and illegal immigration, save on extra expenditure made overseas, shift responsibility of defence to self-help by partners and collect more tariffs on imports to reduce taxes on American citizens.
His major worry appears to be the back-breaking US debt of trillions of dollars. This approach has been well reflected in his visit to the Middle East where he was successful in securing trillions of dollars of investments and billions of dollars of sales in defence, technology and aviation sectors.
Trump portrays himself as anti-war, but perhaps he is for short military showdowns, trade wars and employment of economic coercion to attain his policy ends. Manifestation of this approach was also seen during the last month's Indian aggression against Pakistan, and Pakistan's effective and successful counter offensive.
He has reiterated multiple times the role played by him and the US secretary of state in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It is inferred that, during his presidency, US interstate relations shall be increasingly woven around trade and economy, rather than security. Trump desires to go down in the history as an American President who helped stop major conflicts in the world, and took his country out of colossal debt and deficit.
Trump is likely to help bring peace in the Middle East and work for 'two-state solution' to realise his dream of 'Abraham Accords'. KSA and Turkey are also playing a role in his peace efforts. Lifting of sanctions on Syria, meeting with the Syrian president and expression of hope that a deal could be reached with Iran are positive indicators. Iran is expected to be pragmatic as well. President Trump is ardently working for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and get closer to Russia — perhaps to forestall Russia and China getting into an unmanageable alliance. Though a priority, containment of China may retake shape of 'Congagemnent' during his tenure.
China making great strides in high-end technology would wish to maintain pace of its comprehensive rise by avoiding conflicts and developing a good working relationship with the US. However, to protect its interests, China is expected to remain assertive in all domains. The US is likely to continue trade with China, but on more favourable terms. Important fact is that finding an alternative to high quality Chinese products on cost effective rates for US consumers in short term may not be possible.
China has been a trusted ally of Pakistan. The China-Pakistan friendship bond has gained newer heights during the May 2025 Pak-India War. Pakistan's grit and tenacity and its courageous, swift, skilful, comprehensive and lethal response to the Indian aggression must have impressed the friends and foes alike. At this point in time, Pakistan and China, their people and militaries are closer than ever before.
China will continue to support Pakistan unequivocally. This relationship is likely to experience stress due to the enduring US-China competition. It is important that an understanding is developed in the western capitals that for Pakistan, in the absence of any alternative, the only choice for realising ends of its comprehensive 'National Security Policy' that is predicated on geo-economics, remains the People's Republic of China.
The recent China-Pakistan-Afghanistan tripartite meeting and PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Turkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan — aimed at conveying gratitude for their support during the Indian aggression, reaffirming the closer relation and expanding the ties to make the mutually beneficial friendship even stronger — is a step in right direction. The warm welcome and pleasant exchanges reflect mutual desires to strengthen the exiting bonds.
The second tripartite meeting held between Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan at Lachin in Azerbaijan further manifests the growing understanding between Pakistan and the regional countries. The PM and his delegation also visited Tajikistan to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas. Russia and Pakistan are getting closer too, which is being seen as a very positive development.
Pakistan has sent delegations to various countries of the world to forge an understanding in the comity of nations to communicate Pakistan's position on perpetuating Indian arrogance and aggressiveness as against Pakistan's desire for enduring peace and stability in the region. Pakistan has been making efforts to develop good relations with all the neighbours, including India.
Unfortunately, Indian intransigence remained a hurdle. The impasse seems to have been broken by the short but intense May 2025 War, imposed on Pakistan by the rash Indian leadership, and the ceasefire sought by India through the US. President Trump has expressed his willingness to help resolve the Kashmir dispute by convening a Pakistan-India meeting in some third country — something that is being considered a silver lining.
The global milieu engenders quest to forge peace and enhance trade instead of war. Pakistan should continue trying to avoid conflicts and have good relations with all the countries, including India.
The US president's promise of mediation must be pursued for resolution of the Kashmir dispute, reversal of Indian announcement of holding IWT in abeyance and restoration of special status of IIOJK. Very good relations with China, the US, the UK, EU, Gulf states, Turkiye, Afghanistan and Iran warrant added focus by Pakistan. Connectivity is the way forward for mutually beneficial socio-economic development and societal emancipation.