Unclear whether Trump has conducted a realistic SWOT analysis for the USA: America First policy

By N.S. Venkataraman*
It is an indisputable fact that the USA has remained a superpower for several decades and continues to hold that position. This dominance is attributed to its vast landmass, abundant natural resources—including crude oil and natural gas—a robust agricultural base, and remarkable achievements in science and technology.
The USA’s success has also been facilitated by its willingness to welcome talented individuals from across the globe. Even today, people from various countries aspire to migrate to the USA, attracted by the freedom it offers, its proactive work culture, a liberal democratic setup, and societal affluence.
While the USA has its share of shortcomings, its positive attributes are overwhelming. Other nations, such as Russia and China, may have similar resources and advantages, but the USA has uniquely harnessed its strengths for the country's benefit.
This is why US presidential elections are closely followed worldwide, more so than leadership changes in any other country. Even the announcements of cabinet appointments by Trump before his swearing-in as President were widely discussed globally.
Why Was Trump Overwhelmingly Voted to Power?
When Trump was re-elected as President with an overwhelming majority, many around the world were surprised. This was especially puzzling given the controversies surrounding him, including allegations of sexual assault, corruption, and the violent attack on Capitol Hill by his supporters after his defeat by Biden—a situation many believe Trump may have influenced. People began to question whether US citizens disregarded the lack of morals in their President's private and public life.
Some attribute Trump's victory to the negative votes caused by President Biden's perceived lackluster performance. Others believe Trump gained immense support due to his "America First" policy, promises to deport illegal migrants, and assurances to end conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Regardless, after taking office, Trump has stayed true to his image of prioritizing his agenda, even if it disrupts others, as long as it aligns with his "America First" philosophy.
How Will the World React to Trump’s America?
Trump has made several contentious statements, such as claiming the Panama Canal should belong to the USA, suggesting Canada could be an extended US territory, and proposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. He also threatened to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS nations if they launched a parallel currency to challenge the dominance of the US dollar. Additionally, he has asserted that illegal migrants would be forcibly deported. These remarks are often seen as extreme and unbalanced.
In this context, it is inevitable that countries worldwide may begin to perceive Trump as assuming that the USA has a divine right to police the world. If Trump continues to enforce his priorities globally—such as withdrawing from WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement—other nations are unlikely to remain passive. Governments may start strategizing on how to counterbalance "Trump’s America." While immediate strong measures are unlikely, this line of thinking will persist.
Countries like Russia, China, and Iran, which already despise the USA’s perceived superiority complex, and certain extremist groups might pose threats to Trump's America.
Is This Due to a Lack of SWOT Analysis?
It is unclear whether Trump has conducted a realistic Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis for the USA. His "America First" policy appears to reflect a belief in US dominance over global affairs, but has he adequately considered the risks and mitigation strategies?
While the "America First" policy is not inherently flawed, the question remains: Should this policy come at the cost of offending other nations? Even discerning Americans may begin to ponder this. Deporting illegal migrants, for instance, is a highly sensitive issue. These individuals entered the USA due to past administrations' lack of scrutiny, and many have since become law-abiding residents. Critics may view such deportations as inhumane, particularly since some American companies rely on the low-cost labor they provide.
The "America First" policy has the potential to strengthen America’s global standing, but it should not result in "cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face"—an act that harms both others and oneself.
---
*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

Comments

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

How polarization between different ideological trends within the communist movement sharpened in India

By Harsh Thakor* This article is a rejoinder to A Note on Slogans of “Left Unity,” “Unity of the Communist Revolutionaries” and “Mass Line” by Umair Ahmed, published on the Nazariya blog .

Search This Blog