Trump’s Return and Impact on Geopolitics
Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President marks a major comeback in U.S. politics.
His second term is expected to have a strong focus on the Indo-Pacific, with enhanced U.S. security posture and stronger alliances, particularly within the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.).
The presence of foreign ministers from Quad nations at the inauguration underscores the strategic importance of this region in Trump’s foreign policy.
Indo-Pacific Region’s Strategic Importance
Trump's first term introduced the term ‘Indo-Pacific’ instead of ‘Asia-Pacific’, signaling a broader geopolitical focus, especially on securing trade routes and countering China’s influence.
Structural changes in U.S. defense, such as renaming the Pacific Command to the Indo-Pacific Command, reflected the region's increased importance.
The revival of the Quad in 2017 under Trump emphasized collaboration on maritime security, technology standards, and regional stability.
Prospects for Trump’s Second Term
Bipartisan support ensures continued U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, with a stronger focus on countering China.
A major early initiative was the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in January 2025, reaffirming commitment to regional stability and opposing coercive actions.
In his second term, Trump is likely to emphasize hard power while reinforcing the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
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