Trump 2.0 and Cold War 3.0

What are the likely implications of Donald Trump’s second term in office? Many of the foundational policies from Trump’s first term– such as tax reductions, deregulation, demands that allies increase their military budgets, and increased tariffs on foreign products — are likely to persist, alongside the establishment of a new Department of Government Efficiency to reduce government staffing and expenditures. Trump will confront a divided Congress, a polarized public, potential divisions within his administration, and the emergence of the Global South, with its grievances against the developed North. In addition, the geopolitical landscape is characterized by increased competition and conflict, reflecting the tensions and uncertainties produced by the imbalanced interdependence of global economies and the rise of new international coalitions with different goals and values, raising concerns about Trump’s capacity to effectively navigate these multifaceted challenges.