Shifting Power Lines
The nation-state, a construct dating back to the 17th century, has long stood as the cornerstone of modern governance. However, recent global shifts suggest that its dominance may be nearing its end. From regional conflicts and two world wars to surveillance states and human rights abuses, the traditional model is under increasing scrutiny. Institutions like the United Nations are losing influence, and nations are increasingly relying on selective governance and individual compliance to maintain control. Dissent is no longer debated in many cases; it is managed. The emerging world order is being shaped by the whims of powerful leaders in developed nations. Trust is fragile, alliances are fluid, and material interests often dictate global decisions. In this uncertain landscape, disillusionment cuts across boundaries, touching both friend and foe, regardless of gender or geopolitical divides.
President Donald Trump, once an imagined close ally of Prime Minister Modi and now a friend of General Asim Munir, has unexpectedly increased tariffs on Indian imports, raising them to a steep 50%. The move was justified by India’s ongoing trade with Russia, particularly its purchase of crude oil. For those familiar with current global affairs, this came as no surprise. Although it must be a huge disappointment for the Prime Minister Modi, who believed him to be his personal friend. However, the decision has sparked a wide range of reactions across the American political spectrum, drawing concern even from unexpected quarters. Gregory Meeks, a foreign affairs committee member, called it a “tariff tantrum,” and even well-known Republican figure Nikki Haley expressed discomfort, urging a more balanced approach toward China rather than punishing India’s foreign policy.
On the other hand, Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the move as a necessary step to penalize countries supporting Russia. Nevertheless, Donald Trump’s decision notionally means reversal of twenty-five years’ policy towards India on his personal whims. The invitation to General Asim Munir to his oval office has also drawn criticism from the conscious citizenry in the United States, in view of internal political choking of opposition in Pakistan. It is beyond crypto energy issue. It shall change the entire scheme of US’s geo political policy in the region. China would be watching it with keen interest to reassess its relations with Pakistan.
This development carries significant implications for both India and Pakistan. While Pakistan may seek to capitalize on the situation, potentially seeing a boost in trade with the United States, especially in textiles and rice, it also finds itself in a more complicated position. General Asim Munir’s second visit to the U.S. seems to be aimed for his own survival, extension for his next term, which is coming to close in November. By engaging with his friends in Florida, Munir likely aims to solidify his own position and strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic standing to negotiate Trump’s conundrums with Iran. He may bargain for Aisha Afridi against Shekel Afridi, as well.
In India, reactions in the educated middle class have been mixed and cautious. Some view it a blessing in disguise. President Trump’s, this way showing back to Modi could be a turning point—a providential chance to correct both foreign and domestic posturing. It reveals political claims need a measure in the present interconnected global world of different interests of countries and power elites. This could deflate the ruling elite’s euphoria and present an opportunity to reassess India’s international strategy. India’s traditional ally, Russia, may find renewed interest in strengthening ties with New Delhi, while China might reassess its approach toward both India and Pakistan. Yet, these shifting regional dynamics are unlikely to bring satisfaction to Modi and Asim Munir. For Pakistan, the situation has become more complicated than visualized after the recent ninety hours’ war between the two countries. The blurred alliances in the political landscape has made world more fragile. Every move unpredictable and each place unsafe. AI is becoming beyond reach of the controlling agency.
The shifting perceptions of international politics are magnified by the dominance of television talk shows and prime-time news, which shape public opinion, and would need a fair amount of retrospection. The reality, however, is that television no longer holds the same sway over the educated middle class, as it once did. Those who control the narrative seem to wield their power like the whims of a child, pulling at strings without truly understanding the broader impact. The ongoing tariff discussion and Modi-Putin meetings are portrayed as if, yesterday’s Trump-Modi friendship was a distant dream, blurring the lines of power discourse between reality and perception. We walk in a world of dreams—much like the people of the subcontinent. That is why China remains cautious, never buying into euphoria of claiming anything which does not seem lasting for its strategic positions. Pakistan remain client security state for it wants to remain so, so long as its nationalism rests on its military doctrine, compulsions of a security state.
We live in an age where AI and instant access to information can expose truth and falsehood with a single click. Yet, too often, we are fed promises dressed in fine words but empty of substance. The educated middle class has grown increasingly adept at seeing through these illusions and demands more. No single leader or power can truly control the complex world we now face. Technology has blurred borders, and wars no longer deliver victories, only destruction and human suffering.
Our path forward must be clear: build policies based on national consciousness, not fleeting experiments. Draw wisdom from the past, learn from our mistakes, and act with foresight. Make regional peace the first pillar of foreign policy. India should look toward for the lasting peace with China. Try to Strengthen our social fabric. Fortify our formal institutions. That is the sustained alternate capital, education, health and professionalism with skilled empowerment. For when peace, unity, and resilience are secured, economic growth will no longer be a distant dream—it will be the inevitable outcome.
The imagined nationalism, huge flux of immigrants and native populations’ incompetence to capture chosen professions and employment to a measure extent have resulted into inward looking US new policies. Trump ‘s arrival is the symptoms of that silent frustration. No wonder, it would be more difficult for foreign students to seek admissions and entry into the land of promises. The attempt to link trading state with migration state in such a way that trade and migration go hand in hand from economic and demographic stand point, so that white Americans do not feel risking their advantage. However, economic policies based on whims have ramifications. For homeland/New land connections have gone into broader frame of transnational connections forged by business, the media, politics and religion under the rubric of community.
The studies demonstrate that ‘migrants are embedded in networks stretching across multiple states and migrants’ identities and cultural production reflect their multiple locations’. Economics’ attempt to control politics this way might look understated, so even in America, there are dissenting voices to ‘tariff tantrums’ of President Trump. The ties between the two democracies over the past two decades have evolved beyond the temperaments of their leaders. Still, both Prime minister Modi and President Trump have intent on securing lasting legacies. A shrewd general even nominated Trump for the noble prize, though India dismissed his self-proclaimed role as a peace broker. It could be an individualism at play with each eager to score. Let us wait to find new strategic power scuffle and its checkmates and checkpoints.
Prof. Ashok Kaul, Retired Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Banaras Hindu university
