Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Q4. “The protectionist turn in U.S. trade policy signals not just an economic shift, but also a geopolitical recalibration”. Examine. How might this impact global multilateralism? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question:
Due to recent U.S. tariff hikes and growing economic unilateralism that challenge the post-war liberal global order. It highlights the link between economic protectionism and geopolitical realignment.Key Demand of the question:
The answer must examine how U.S. protectionism reflects both economic and geopolitical recalibration, and assess its implications on the functioning and future of global multilateral institutions.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the shift in U.S. trade policy and its broader implications beyond economics.Body
- Highlight how the protectionist turn reflects geopolitical recalibration (e.g., erosion of alliances, strategic coercion).
- Explain how this impacts global multilateralism (e.g., weakening WTO, rise of regionalism, undermining of trust).
Conclusion
Conclude by suggesting that this trend may fragment global trade governance and necessitates proactive regional and multilateral engagement by countries like India.
