• Amoghavarsha IAS Broucher
  • +91 9916766911 / 8088776736
  • info@amoghavarshaiaskas.in
  • E-Learning
  • Blog

Trump 2.0 as Disruptor of the Global Legal Order

The Global Legal Order

Understanding the Global Legal Order
The global legal order is founded on a network of treaties, conventions, and institutions aimed at maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and fostering cooperation. Key pillars include:

  • United Nations (UN): Oversees international peace and security.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): Manages global trade rules.
  • International Criminal Court (ICC): Prosecutes individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.
  • International Treaties: Agreements on climate, human rights, and non-proliferation.

The U.S. Role
The United States has historically been a leader in shaping and sustaining the global legal order. Its influence in international institutions has been instrumental in promoting liberal democratic values and global stability.

Trump’s First Term – Laying the Groundwork

Challenges to Multilateralism
During his first term, Trump undermined several multilateral institutions and agreements:

  • Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Rejected global climate commitments.
  • Criticism of NATO: Questioned the U.S.’s financial and strategic obligations.
  • WTO Disputes: Blocked appointments to the Appellate Body, paralyzing its dispute resolution mechanism.

Unilateralism Over Diplomacy
Trump prioritized bilateral deals and economic nationalism over multilateral frameworks, often bypassing international norms in favor of U.S. interests.

Use of Sanctions
Trump’s administration employed unilateral sanctions as a tool to pressure countries like Iran, Venezuela, and China, often sidelining UN mechanisms.

Trump 2.0 – A Disruptive Vision

Further Weakening of International Institutions

  • United Nations: Trump’s second term could have reduced U.S. funding and support for UN programs, particularly those seen as contrary to U.S. interests.
  • World Trade Organization: Efforts to sideline or reform the WTO to align with U.S. trade policies might have escalated.
  • ICC: Continued opposition to the ICC, rejecting its jurisdiction over U.S. nationals and allies.

Challenging International Treaties

  • Climate Agreements: Further resistance to global climate action, emphasizing fossil fuel dominance.
  • Arms Control: Non-renewal or renegotiation of arms control treaties, such as the New START treaty with Russia.
  • Global Health Governance: Reduced engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO), especially after the COVID-19 pandemic controversies.

Reshaping Geopolitics

  • U.S.-China Rivalry: Intensified efforts to decouple U.S. economic and technological sectors from China, potentially sparking a cold war.
  • Middle East Realignment: Stronger alignment with Israel and Gulf states, sidelining multilateral peace processes.
  • Trade Wars: Expansion of tariffs and protectionist policies, disrupting global trade norms.

Implications for Global Legal Order

Erosion of Multilateralism
Trump’s second term could have further eroded trust in multilateral institutions, leading to fragmented governance. Emerging powers like China and Russia might exploit this vacuum to reshape global norms.

Rule of Law vs. Power Politics
The global legal order relies on adherence to shared rules. Trump’s emphasis on power politics and unilateralism threatened to undermine this foundation.

Rise of Regionalism
In the absence of U.S. leadership, regional powers and blocs (e.g., EU, ASEAN) might have strengthened their influence in shaping global norms.

Risks of Fragmentation

  • Increased polarization between democratic and authoritarian regimes.
  • Competing legal frameworks for trade, technology, and human rights.

Implications for India

Challenges for India

  • Trade Disputes: India might face pressure from Trump’s protectionist policies, affecting sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals.
  • Multilateral Engagement: Reduced U.S. support for multilateral institutions could hinder India’s role in global governance.

Opportunities for India

  • Strategic Partnership: India’s alignment with the U.S. on Indo-Pacific strategy could strengthen.
  • Leadership Role: India could leverage its position in forums like G20 and BRICS to advocate for reforms in global governance.

Balancing Act
India would need to navigate its partnerships with the U.S., China, and Russia carefully, ensuring its strategic autonomy.

Lessons for Global Governance

Need for Institutional Reforms

  • Multilateral institutions must adapt to address new challenges, including digital governance, climate change, and pandemic responses.
  • Greater inclusion of emerging economies in decision-making processes.

Strengthening Regional Blocs
Regional organizations like ASEAN, the African Union, and SAARC can play a more prominent role in upholding global norms.

Balancing Power Dynamics
The global legal order must find a balance between accommodating rising powers and maintaining rule-based systems.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Topics to Focus On

  • International Relations: The role of the U.S. in shaping the global legal order.
  • Global Governance: Challenges posed by unilateralism and declining multilateralism.
  • India’s Foreign Policy: Strategic implications of U.S. policies for India.
  • World History: Evolution of the global legal order post-World War II.

Essay and Mains Questions

  • “Discuss the impact of unilateralism on the global legal order with reference to U.S. policies.”
  • “Analyze the role of multilateral institutions in global governance and the challenges they face in the 21st century.”
  • “Evaluate the implications of U.S.-China rivalry for global trade and geopolitics.”

Conclusion

Trump’s second term as a disruptor of the global legal order would have had far-reaching consequences for international law, governance, and diplomacy. It underscored the fragility of multilateralism and the need for robust reforms to sustain a rule-based global system.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the complexities of international relations and India’s evolving role in global governance. While the global legal order faces challenges, it also presents opportunities for nations like India to assert their influence and champion reforms that reflect the aspirations of a multipolar world.

Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.

Youtube: click here

Enroll Now !
Media & News
Similar Articles for UPSC Aspirants

South-South Climate Cooperation

Forest Fires Threat for UPSC

India’s New Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Paris AI Action Summit for UPSC

Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP)

Brucellosis Disease

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by the Brucella genus.....
Facebook Youtube Instagram Whatsapp Linkedin X-twitter Telegram

Amoghavarsha IAS KAS

DOWNLOAD APP
Bangalore
Tumkur
Mysore
Hassan
Nelamangal
About us

Amoghavarsha IAS/KAS Academy was founded in 2014 since from their we have been excellence in the field of civil Service examination preparation and state services. The Academy is completely dedicated to provide excellent quality education by experts and bringing innovations etc.

Popular Courses
  • Upcoming Events
  • Prelims Test Series
  • KPSC KAS Courses
  • Optional Subject Classes
  • Integrated Foundation Program
Contact us
  • +91 9916766911 / 8088776736
  • info@amoghavarshaiaskas.in
  • No 117/32 , 2nd Floor, 1st Main Rd, near Hoshalli metro station, Hoshalli Extension, Stage 1, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040

Copyright © 2014 – 2024 Amoghavarsha IAS Academy. All Rights Reserved

Developed & Maintained by BIGGSITE

About Us

Amoghavarsha E Magazine

Current Affairs ( Prelims )

Current Affairs ( Mains )

UPSC

KPSC

  • Gazetted Probationers
  • Group C
  • CC Model Test Series