The Global and Regional Studies Center (GRSC) at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled "Trump 2.0 and Global Politics: The Challenges, Shifts, and Opportunities" on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The event brought together leading experts in international relations for in-depth discussions on how Donald Trump’s second tenure as the U.S. President may reshape geopolitical scenario.
Eminent speakers included Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Kazi, former Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Iraq, who also served as the Chairman of the Seminar; and Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib, Senior Fellow at the Center for Policy and Area Studies, IoBM. Distinguished attendees included IoBM’s President, Mr. Talib Karim along with HoDs, students and faculty members.
During his address, Mr. Talib Karim expressed concern that Pakistan faces a challenging period under Trump’s administration. He noted that Trump’s leadership exerts pressure on all nations, and suggested that had Trump served two consecutive terms, he might have already vented his frustrations, potentially altering his current approach. Mr. Talib Karim emphasized the urgent need to address Pakistan’s political instability, stating that the country has gradually lost its strategic position due to shortcomings in foreign policy and missed opportunities on key geopolitical fronts. Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic about Pakistan’s future, particularly highlighting the potential of its youth. He stressed that young Pakistanis has the acumen to drive positive change and play a vital role in revitalizing the national economy. He also emphasized that today’s youth are more informed about global politics and understand how U.S. policies, especially under Trump, will impact developing nations like Pakistan.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Kazi noted that many in the U.S. and Europe feared Trump’s re-election would be disruptive—and he has lived up to those expectations. While Trump 2.0 is still unfolding, its trajectory remains uncertain. Kazi highlighted how Trump effectively used social media and his fervent base to fuel his campaign, tapping into supporters' frustrations. Since his inauguration, Trump has kept the world on edge with a series of Executive Orders and bold policies, branding his agenda as a "revolution of common sense." However, some of Trump’s proposals have alarmed global leaders, including suggestions of using military force to annex Greenland, seizing control of the Panama Canal, and imposing tariffs on Canada. Most controversially, he has declared intentions for the U.S. to take over Gaza, calling it the "Riviera of the Middle East"—a move that is a violation of international law. Ambassador Mustafa also discussed China’s rapid rise, which has unsettled the West. He argued that Trump seeks to dismantle the global multilateral system that the U.S. helped establish after World War II. His administration has withdrawn from NATO, the International Tax Treaty, and the Climate Agreement while planning to cut USAID funding.
In his remarks, Ambassador G. R. Baluch, Director of GRSC, IoBM emphasized that the U.S. withdrawal from international agreements would further erode public trust, which is already at an all-time low due to the failure to end the genocide in Gaza. He noted that Trump’s claims of conquering Canada and Greenland could severely damage his global reputation as he embarks on his second term. Ambassador Baluch also pointed out that the rivalry between the U.S. and China is expected to escalate, though its exact trajectory remains uncertain. He further highlighted Trump’s unpredictability as a defining factor in global affairs, making him a dominant force in international decision-making. The re-emergence of Trump 2.0 presents a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. While President Trump’s policies may disrupt established norms, they could also drive geopolitical realignment and innovation. The key question, Ambassador Baluch argued, is not just how the U.S. under Trump will shape the global order, but how the rest of the world will respond and adapt. Ultimately, proactive global engagement and resilience will be essential in navigating this uncertain yet dynamic era.
Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib, in his speech, highlighted the evolving challenges facing modern U.S. democracy, emphasizing its shift from balancing individualism and collective good to an era of hyper-individualism. He noted that polarization has worn shared civic purpose, fostering divisions that tolerate political violence and undermine electoral integrity. He pointed to figures like Elon Musk as examples of businessmen aligning with populist leaders to bypass democratic institutions and centralize authority. He argued that digital platforms and globalization amplify polarization, disinformation, and anti-democratic movements. Furthermore, the deepening inequality caused by globalization, he noted, contradicts democracy’s promise of equal opportunity and enables anti-democratic forces to manipulate democratic stance to weaken its foundations. Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib outlined key challenges for President Trump in his second term. He emphasized that the U.S. remains deeply polarized, with opposition from Democrats, civil society, and even some Republicans potentially hindering policy implementation. Ongoing legal battles could serve as distractions. Managing inflation, interest rates, and recession fears in the US will be crucial, as Trump's economic policies—tariffs, deregulation, and tax cuts—may surface mixed effects. Moreover, strains in U.S. alliances, particularly NATO and the EU, could arise due to his "America First" stance, while relations with China, Russia, and the Middle East remain uncertain.
Students actively participated in discussions with the speakers, exploring the trade, economic, and political ramifications of Trump 2.0 and the evolving global landscape under his leadership. The thought-provoking speeches and dynamic Q&A session offered valuable insights, equipping students with a deeper understanding of the broader geopolitical shifts and their far-reaching implications.