Liberalism, one of the most enduring and influential political ideologies, has profoundly shaped global norms in governance, diplomacy, and societal structures. It has served as the cornerstone of the liberal international order, a framework built on principles such as democracy, human rights, multilateralism, and consensus-building among nation-states. However, the resilience of this ideology is now under severe threat.
Francis Fukuyama, in his iconic yet contentious essay, The End of History?, envisioned the collapse of the communist bloc and the triumphant ascendancy of a liberal democratic order led by the United States. This grand vision of liberalism’s unchallenged reign, however, appears to be unravelling. The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States heralds an era of disruption that challenges the fundamental tenets of the post-Cold War international order.
Trump: The Catalyst of Disruption
Donald Trump represents one of the most significant forces of upheaval in global politics since the end of the Cold War. His presidency champions nativism and an aggressive emphasis on internal sovereignty—concepts that have reshaped the global discourse on foreign policy. Trump’s rallying cry, encapsulated in the slogan Make America Great Again (MAGA), serves as the embodiment of this ideological shift.
MAGA is not merely a political slogan; it is a manifesto of prioritising American interests above all else, a direct repudiation of the lofty ideals of democracy promotion, humanitarian intervention, and global leadership. For Trump’s administration, the focus is clear: the prosperity, security, and well-being of ordinary Americans would take precedence over any commitment to internationalism.
This rhetoric struck a deep chord with Trump’s core voter base, comprising working-class white Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. These demographics, disillusioned with the perceived hypocrisy of liberal elites on a wide array of issues—education, foreign policy, gender roles, and cultural identity—rallied behind the MAGA movement. Trump’s policies reflect their grievances, rejecting progressive “wokeness” and defending traditional American values against what his supporters view as an erosion of cultural and social norms.
Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the WHO on his first day in office was a startling yet deliberate move. Justifying this action, Trump argued that America could no longer bear the disproportionate financial burden of global health initiatives, including vaccine development and pandemic response
Trump’s administration has also made internal sovereignty a cornerstone of its policies, showcasing this through concrete measures. One of the most striking examples was the issuance of executive orders labelling drug cartels trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico and Canada as terrorist organisations. This move signalled a militaristic approach to combating the drug crisis, framing it as a matter of national security.
Additionally, Trump launched one of the largest crackdowns on illegal immigration in recent history. The deployment of armed forces along the southern border underscores his administration’s determination to curb illegal crossings and address what he terms a “border crisis.” These actions exemplify the prioritisation of domestic stability over international obligations, a theme that defines his presidency.
Erosion of the Liberal Order
The liberal international order rests on several foundational principles, including democracy, human rights, consensus-building, and the sovereignty of nation-states, underpinned by robust international institutions. Trumpism, however, systematically undermined two of these pillars: the primacy of international institutions and the importance of multilateral consensus.
Trump’s disdain for international institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) marked a sharp departure from his predecessors. His decision to withdraw the US from the WHO on his first day in office was a startling yet deliberate move. Justifying this action, Trump argued that America could no longer bear the disproportionate financial burden of global health initiatives, including vaccine development and pandemic response.
While this decision alarmed advocates of multilateralism and signalled a retreat from America’s traditional role as the leader of the “free world,” it was consistent with Trump’s broader critique of the WHO and the Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reallocation of funds previously earmarked for the WHO to support domestic initiatives highlighted the administration’s commitment to nativist causes.
Similarly, Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord reflects the conservative American right’s outright rejection of climate change as a legitimate global crisis. His administration dismisses climate change as a “hoax” and seeks to revitalise the hydrocarbon sector, prioritising the interests of coal, oil, and gas industries over environmental sustainability.
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord reflects the conservative American right’s outright rejection of climate change as a legitimate global crisis. His administration dismisses climate change as a “hoax” and seeks to revitalise the hydrocarbon sector
A Businessman’s Approach to Diplomacy
Trump’s leadership style is an anomaly in the history of American presidential diplomacy. As a businessman, his approach to governance and foreign policy is unapologetically transactional. Guided by the principle of quid pro quo, Trump prioritises short-term gains and immediate benefits for the United States over long-term commitments to global causes.
The liberal international order relies on a leading state actor to set global norms, spearhead policymaking, and address critical challenges such as climate change, peacebuilding, and technological innovation. Historically, the United States has played this role, shouldering the responsibility of providing leadership and financial support for global initiatives. However, Trump’s America rejects this premise, focusing instead on self-interest and unilateral decision-making.
Trump’s “America First” doctrine has not only disrupted established norms but also created a vacuum in global leadership. His willingness to challenge existing rules and craft new ones tailored to American priorities signals a shift away from collective global responsibility.
The Road Ahead for India
As the liberal international order teeters on the brink of collapse, India must navigate this new geopolitical landscape with caution and foresight. Rooted in a rich civilisational heritage and Indic values, India has the potential to offer an alternative worldview that transcends the ideological dichotomies of the left and right.
By embracing its unique cultural and philosophical ethos, India can play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and multipolar world order. This approach would not only safeguard its national interests but also contribute to global stability in an era of uncertainty and upheaval.
–The writer is currently working as a Research Associate at Defence Research and Studies (dras.in) and is a columnist. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
