Are we heading towards a bipolar world?

I usually don't write about politics, but this time, when the American Republican Party leader Donald Trump has won the US presidential election and has been elected to this post for the second time, the political scene of the world has changed a bit. Especially when many countries of the world are embroiled in wars among themselves, it will be interesting to see what kind of relationship the White House will have with the leaders of powerful countries and how it will affect the relations.

 
What kind of equation-chemistry does Trump have with the heads of states of the big countries of the world? How will he balance the equations on the conflicts going on around the world, especially when Trump has announced his ambitious plans and has chosen open secretaries who are old businessmen but not politicians like Elon Musk!

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Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia is probably happy from within with Trump coming to power again. It hopes that the Russia-Ukraine war will end now. It is a different matter that Russian President Putin has not yet congratulated Trump on his victory. Many countries of the world are embroiled in wars among themselves.

In response to a question, the Russian spokesperson said that we should not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country which is directly and indirectly involved in the war against our country. This seems to be Russia's steady initial stance. By the way, it seems that Trump has admiration for Putin.

He also promised that if he comes to power, he will end the Ukraine war in a day. Some experts believe that he intends to do this by forcing Ukraine to give some territory to Russia. Anyway, Russia has occupied a large part of Ukraine. When Russia's action started in Ukraine in February 2022, Trump described Putin as sensible and talented. In the past, there have been talks between Trump and Putin many times. But only Trump would know what is in Trump's mind.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Like Putin, Trump has personally praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, but this is not reflected in his policy. On the other hand, Beijing planners may see Trump's second term as both a challenge and an opportunity. Trump once described Xi as smart, brilliant, and perfect in everything. Earlier this year, he said that he has a good rapport with Xi. He wants China to do well because he was a very good friend of Trump during his previous tenure. In 2020, Trump said in Davos that our relationship with China is now probably better than ever.

However, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Trump repeatedly called the coronavirus a Chinese virus and blamed China for its spread. In terms of policy, the US administration, led by Trump, presented China as a threat and a strategic rival. No US president before him had ever done that to China, not as clearly as Trump did. This time too he has threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. And I think China's statement yesterday that they are ready for any war with America will prove to be a new political drama.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

When Trump was the president earlier, he had a very good rapport with Netanyahu, and his government strongly supported Israel. As Trump himself said, "As everyone knows, I have done a lot for Israel. Moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights, and most importantly, pulling out of the terrible Iran nuclear deal."

Trump also oversaw the signing of the Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel's relations with four Arab countries: Sudan, Morocco, Bahrain, and the UAE. Trump's relations with Netanyahu soured after Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden for his victory in the election, which Trump alleged was rigged. Trump also criticized the Israeli leader for his failure to prevent Hamas attacks in October. However, Trump is trying to improve his relationship with Netanyahu, but as usual, with his usual style.

Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Trump shares a good friendship with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump's first foreign trip after becoming president last time was to Saudi Arabia. The US and the desert kingdom have always had a strong oil-security relationship. Trump's personal liking for MBS further boosted it. Trump never criticized MBS over allegations of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.

He also said nothing to the Saudi leader over the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. He vetoed efforts to limit military aid to Saudi Arabia. On the other hand Trump and Saudi Prince held talks in April this year. In October, Trump said on Saudi Arabia's state TV that he has great respect for the Crown Prince. In fact, he said all good things about prince such as, "He is doing a great job. He is truly a visionary person. He has done things that no one else would have thought of."

Trump and ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sheikh Hasina,

Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister, had to step down in August 2024 after massive protests and moved to India. Trump's return could give her a diplomatic life, as the Trump administration may prioritize strategic alliances over internal governance matters. Maybe, Hasina is looking for a change that can help her in her political comeback, providing a platform to challenge the interim government. For Hasina, Trump as the president might provide an opportunity to counter the forces that led to her removal from office and she could go back to her country.

Kim Jong and Trump

Trump was the first US president to meet North Korean ruler Kim Jong, and the talks of that level were unprecedented. Although it did not bring any major success, it provided legitimacy to Kim. Trump's victory means a new opening for North Korea to directly negotiate with the US.

PM Modi and Trump

A meeting was held between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the White House a few weeks ago. In this important meeting, the two leaders discussed many important issues, including trade relations, illegal migration, and global peace. During the meeting, Trump called Prime Minister Modi his 'friend' and praised his leadership. At the same time, PM Modi congratulated Trump on being re-elected to the post of President.

But is there everything okay between PM Modi and President Trump? During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that the people of India have given him the mandate to run the government for the third time, and he is ready to work together with America with the same energy. Responding to this, Trump congratulated Modi and expressed his commitment to building strong trade relations with India. But Trump tried his arm twisting tactics even at this meeting and Modi as usual has his own plans/

In the meeting, Trump gave positive signals about India buying oil and gas and said that this will further strengthen the economic relations between the two countries. He also recalled his old meetings with PM Modi and specifically mentioned the 'Howdy Modi' program held in Houston and the Ahmadabad visit.
Trump said that the welcome he received in India was unforgettable, and he wants to further strengthen the India-US partnership.

Trump openly says, and maybe he has a right to say this, but then how will he stop the world from becoming bipolar?

"This is all about protecting the soul of our country. Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. And that's happening. And it's happening very quickly. There will be some disruption, but we're okay with that. It won't be much."

Other countries have imposed tariffs against us for decades and now it is our turn to start imposing tariffs against those other countries. On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India and countless other countries charge us a lot more tariffs than we charge them; it's very unfair."

From Various sources

After taking office, US President Donald Trump announced significant reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners including India, Mexico, Canada, China, and the European Union, raising global trade tensions. Trump admitted in his first US address that these measures could cause a "little mess" in the economy but stressed their need to protect industries and jobs in the US.

He reiterated that other countries have imposed tariffs on the US for decades, and now it is their turn to face them. Tariffs on Chinese imports were put into effect, and an additional 10 percent tariff was announced, further straining relations between the world's two largest economies. Trump also imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, substantially increasing trade barriers.

But I personally think it will be a more than a 'little' compared to what Trump thinks. I also think the world is going to be divided into two factions, one pro-America and the other anti-America. I think Americans and citizens of other countries of the world will have to get used to buying a little more expensive stuff or have to depend on the goods made in their own respective countries. Let's hope for the best!