Old Delhi, New Washington C Raja Mohan

• PYQs linkage:

• Critically examine the decline of the United States of America as a hegemon and its implications for the changing international political order. 15(2021)
• Discus the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?15(2023)
• Do you agree with the view that the USA uses NATO as a traditional tool of strategy to perpetuate its hegemony in the world? 15(2024)

Theory application:

Neo realist theory (Offensive realism), Hegemonic stability theory, neo liberalism

Concepts and keywords:

global order, Economic globalization, security alliances, age of American unilateralism, Non-Aligned movement, America’s own march away from liberalism,

Important facts:

• Michael Beckley terms the US as a “rogue superpower” for its potential rise under Trump’s leadership. He abandoned pretence of global stewardship, scoring multilateral institutions, and pursuing its interest in brutally transactional manner.
• US GDP stands near $30 trillion as compared to China’s $20 trillion.

• Brief analysis and key points from the news or editorial:

Signs of the US unilateralism:

• Setting tariffs unilaterally
• Striking trade deals selectively

Reasons for the US unilateralism:

• Trump’s free hand to pursue TRADE, INTERNATIONAL AND IMMIGRATION policies
• Strong consumer demand and economic resilience; technological leadership in AI, robotics and automation enabling the reshoring of manufacturing and reducing dependence on global supply chains and self sufficiency in energy.
• American consumer market gives powerful leverage to reshape the global economic order

Impact on international politics:

• Shaking the international system to its foundations.

India’s position:

• Negotiation of a trade deal with the USA
• Strategic management of Trump’s anti-immigration agenda
• Staying engaged with the broader American establishment
• Intensification of engagement with other major powers, bilaterally and multilaterally (BRICS)
• A wider circle of Indian engagement within America’s political system and political class is required
• India needs strategic dialogues with key stakeholders.

Practice question :

Critically examine the decline of the United States of America as a hegemon and its implications for the changing international political order. 15(2021)