Uncertainties of a Trumpian world
The Statesman|November 08, 2024
Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, combined with a Republican-led US Senate, was widely feared among international allies and will be cheered by some of America's foes.

While the former put on a brave face, the latter are finding it hard to hide their glee.

On the war in Ukraine, Trump is likely to try to force Kyiv and Moscow into at least a ceasefire along the current front lines. This could possibly involve a permanent settlement that would acknowledge Russia's territorial gains, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the territories occupied since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

It is also likely that Trump would accept demands by Russian president Vladimir Putin to prevent a future Ukrainian Nato membership. Given Trump's well-known animosity to Nato, this would also be an important pressure on Kyiv's European allies. Trump could, once again, threaten to abandon the alliance in order to get Europeans to sign up to a deal with Putin over Ukraine.

When it comes to the Middle East, Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel and Saudi Arabia in the past. He is likely to double down on this, including by taking an even tougher line on Iran. This aligns well with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current priorities.

Netanyahu seems determined to destroy Iran's proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen and severely degrade Iranian capabilities. By dismissing his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, a critic of his conduct of the offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu has laid the ground for a continuation of the conflict there.

It also prepares for a widening of the offensive in Lebanon and a potentially devastating strike against Iran in response to any further Iranian attack on Israel.

This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STATESMANView All
Starc About To Become 4th Aussie To Achieve Massive Milestone
The Statesman

Starc About To Become 4th Aussie To Achieve Massive Milestone

As Team India takes on Australia during the fourth Test of the series at the Boxing Day Test, they would have to be cautious against lethal left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who is not only in a fantastic form in the series but is also approaching a big milestone.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
Ponting optimistic about uncapped Australia opener
The Statesman

Ponting optimistic about uncapped Australia opener

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes 19-year-old rookie opener Sam Konstas has what it takes to make a mark in the remaining Border-Gavaskar trophy Tests against India.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
The Statesman

Bumrah equals Ashwin's India record after Brisbane exploits

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has achieved the joint-highest rating ever by an Indian player, equalling the record rating points held by recently-retired spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, and the 31-year-old has the chance of going one better during the upcoming Melbourne Test.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
The Statesman

BGT: India, Australia gun for series lead in Boxing Day Test

With the series locked 1-1, the fourth contest at the MCG is expected to see some exciting cricket

time-read
2 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Not really child's play
The Statesman

Not really child's play

The proliferation of kidfluencers raises legal and ethical questions, says Irmine Keta Rotimi

time-read
3 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Need for Judicial Introspection
The Statesman

Need for Judicial Introspection

The tragic tale of Atul Subhash must lead to judicial and legal reforms, says Ravi Kumar Gupta

time-read
3 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Lady Justice wears a uniform
The Statesman

Lady Justice wears a uniform

Trial of civilians in military courts raises questions of fairness and transparency, argues Zahid Hussain

time-read
4 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Year Ender 2024: Speedy processing of returns to amendments in GST
The Statesman

Year Ender 2024: Speedy processing of returns to amendments in GST

The year 2024 saw the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) prioritising the speedy processing of returns and refunds, with over Rs 2.35 lakh crore refunded and more than 3.87 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) processed within 7 days.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
The Statesman

Indian Markets to Deliver Positive Returns for Ninth Year in a Row, Outperform US

Driven by strong fundamental and robust economic growth, the domestic benchmark indices are set to give positive returns in 2024 for the ninth consecutive year.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
Not Only India, US, China, and Canada Also Fined Deloitte for Violating Audit Standards
The Statesman

Not Only India, US, China, and Canada Also Fined Deloitte for Violating Audit Standards

Global audit firm Deloitte has been fined about Rs 2 crore by the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) for alleged lapses in auditing Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL).

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024