WITH former president Donald Trump having become the next president of the United States, there is a lot of discussion around the world about his potential to affect global politics. There is no dearth of such discussions in Pakistan either. The global community will do well to recall that during his previous term in office, Trump’s foreign policy favoured core American interests over much else.

Trump’s relationship with Pakistan, especially with the then prime minister, was surely friendly on the surface, but, in the view of many, it was a relation-ship of convenience. Trump’s primary goal was to exit Afghanistan, and he saw an opportunity to use Pakistan’s influence to negotiate with the Taliban. Once the US was out of Afghanistan, his adminis-tration showed little interest beyond a bit of rhetoric when it came to issues in Pakistan. Trump’s concept of foreign relations was shaped more by short-term objectives than by any feeling of long-term alliance.

Also, we can see in Trump’s policies a trend of American isolationism and sanctions. Iran was a particular target in this regard. Pakistan should prepare for similar US policies in the region. Trump’s strong support for Israel will only make things that much tougher.

If history is any guide, and it surely is, Trump’s administration will likely pursue a tough, self-centred foreign policy, leaving Pakistan with little hope for genuine support or partnership. The world, including Pakistan, may have to brace for a more divided and polarised future with Trump in the White House.

Wasif Khaliq Dad
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2024