Resisting Imperial Tendencies in Global Trade Politics

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Context:

India’s trade negotiations with the United States under President Trump’s administration risk compromising India's economic sovereignty and domestic dignity.

The Nature of the Current Global Shift

Trumpian Reform – A Spectacle of Capitalism Reset: The Trump administration’s trade policies reflect a reset of capitalism that strengthens oligarchic and speculative tendencies rather than reforming them for equity.
India–US Equation – Misreading the Moment: Treating India–US trade talks as transactional underplays the ideological and geopolitical consequences of aligning with coercive economic models.
Specter of Imperialism – Embedded Domination: The US’s vision of economic reform embeds capitalism in unequal global regulations, potentially undermining India’s self-reliance and strategic autonomy.

The Tools and Impact of Economic Coercion

Tariff Weaponization – Modern-Day Imperial Tool: The United States does not reduce tariffs equitably; instead, it maintains them to extract disproportionate economic concessions.
Technological Control – Business-Led Domination: By controlling tech regulations and setting the rules, the US ensures that developing countries remain dependent on its firms and standards.
Climate Inaction – Fossil Economy Promotion: The US-led order promotes a fossil-fuel-based economy while shirking global climate responsibilities, burdening the Global South disproportionately.

Consequences for India and Strategic Autonomy

Humiliation Diplomacy – A Loss of Dignity: India risks being seen as a supplicant state if it rushes into unequal trade deals, compromising its global standing and internal reforms.
Premature Victory – Lobby-Driven Concessions: The internal pro-US lobby prematurely hails success in these negotiations without gauging the long-term strategic and economic costs.
World System Reset – Uncertain Future: If this global reset strengthens authoritarian capitalism and oligarchy, India's alignment without clarity will diminish its leadership in the emerging world order.

Practice Question:

Critically examine how emerging trade negotiations between India and the United States reflect deeper shifts in global capitalism. In light of recent developments, analyze the implications for India’s strategic autonomy and domestic policy integrity. (250 words)

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