The Department of International Studies and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), organised a Guest Lecture on ‘Trump Disruption and India’s Foreign Policy’ by Dr. C Rajamohan, Foreign Policy Analyst and Director, Institute of South Asian studies NUS on August 14, 2019. Staff and students from Jain University and NAIS were in attendance, as well.
Dr. Rajamohan started the lecture by giving the example of Bangalore and its inter-connectivity with the world. The fact that policies in one part of the world have the capacity to directly impact a city in other part of the world, was brought out. This was placed in the context of dynamic American foreign policy, under the Trump Administration. Dr. Rajamohan divided his lecture under the four broad categories – to understand when and how the world changes, consequences of changes, effect on India and how can India cope up with this changing dynamics.
Dr. Rajamohan emphasized on the change in power distribution results in changes in the international order. And, according to the professor, this change in power distribution takes place through the workings of war (World Wars, Cold War), revolutions (Russian, Chinese, Iranian revolutions), economic crisis (Great Depression -1929, Financial Crisis – 2008), technological revolution (Industrial Revolution), and in recent times, due to climate change.
The speaker, then, touched upon various aspects of American foreign policy, transformed by Trump in the 21st century. Such as the policy of ‘Open Borders’, allowing migration which has taken a different character today, wherein the Trump administration is restricting it. At the same time, the famously American propagated ‘Globalization’, has been termed detrimental for America, wherein outsourcing has taken away American jobs. Hence, the imposition of huge tariffs as well as the on-going trade war with China, for want of fair trade as against free trade. Dr. Rajamohan emphasized Trump Administration’s particular dislike towards the multilateral organizations like World Trade Organization, and preference for bilateral negotiations. And these ongoing changes are structural in nature, thus, will not disappear with a new American administration.
In conclusion, Dr. Rajamohan talked about India coping with challenges of increased protection from West, decline of American hegemony, climate change and the need to strengthen maritime security. India needs to build its economy, as economy is the main aspect which enables a country to dictate a set of policies. At the same time, India needs to play an active role in the region as well as the world, and seek to influence it in times of uncertainty which lay ahead.
The lecture was followed by an engaging and interactive Q&A session. Dr. Rajamohan was presented with a vote of thanks by Dr. Priyanca Mathur, Jain University and memento by Fr. Jose CC, Pro Vice Chancellor, CHRIST (Deemed To Be University).
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