he Global and Regional Studies Center (GRSC) at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted an insightful seminar titled “Trump 2.0 and Global Politics: The Challenges, Shifts, and Opportunities.” The event brought together distinguished experts to analyze the potential geopolitical shifts under Donald Trump’s second tenure as President of the United States.
Key Speakers and Discussions
Eminent speakers included Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Kazi, former Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Iraq, who chaired the seminar. Also present was Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib, Senior Fellow at the Center for Policy and Area Studies, IoBM. The seminar was attended by IoBM President Mr. Talib Karim, along with faculty members, students, and other notable scholars.
During his address, Mr. Talib Karim noted that Pakistan faces a challenging period under Trump’s administration. He emphasized that Trump’s leadership puts pressure on many nations and speculated that if Trump had served two consecutive terms, his current approach might have been different. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s declining strategic position due to foreign policy shortcomings but remained optimistic about the potential of the country’s youth to drive economic revitalization.
Geopolitical Concerns and Trump’s Global Influence
Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Kazi highlighted concerns from U.S. and European perspectives regarding Trump’s re-election, noting that his return has already introduced uncertainty in global affairs. He detailed Trump’s reliance on social media and his fervent political base, which fueled his campaign. Kazi discussed Trump’s controversial proposals, including military interventions, territorial annexations, and aggressive trade policies, which have alarmed global leaders. Notably, Trump’s intentions regarding Gaza, Greenland, and Canada were cited as violations of international law.
The session also focused on China’s rapid rise as a global power and how Trump’s administration is working to dismantle the post-World War II multilateral order. Kazi pointed out Trump’s withdrawal from NATO, the International Tax Treaty, and the Climate Agreement, alongside plans to reduce USAID funding.
The Future of U.S. Global Relations
Ambassador G. R. Baluch, Director of GRSC at IoBM, stressed that the U.S.’s withdrawal from global agreements could further erode public trust. He noted that Trump’s controversial rhetoric and policies might damage his international reputation while exacerbating tensions with key global players, including China and the European Union. He described Trump’s unpredictability as a defining factor in international politics, one that presents both challenges and opportunities for global realignment.
Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib examined the evolving landscape of U.S. democracy, highlighting a shift toward hyper-individualism and increased political polarization. He warned that figures like Elon Musk, aligning with populist leaders, could contribute to the erosion of democratic institutions. He outlined the key challenges Trump faces in his second term, including domestic legal battles, economic uncertainties, and strained international alliances, particularly with NATO and the EU.
Impact and Takeaways
The seminar provided attendees with a nuanced understanding of how Trump’s policies may reshape the global order. The interactive Q&A session allowed students and faculty members to engage with experts, gaining deeper insights into international relations in an era of shifting power dynamics.
As the world navigates the implications of Trump’s second term, discussions like these serve as a crucial platform for understanding the evolving geopolitical landscape and preparing for its potential impacts on Pakistan and beyond.