Trump is Opportunist, says Deepa M Ollapally

KOCHI:
Trump is more opportunistic, he goes for what makes a good deal for him. It is a tactical approach rather than a long term approach; to do whatever what seems right at that point of time. Obama was a man of thought rather than action, while trump is more action and less thought, says Deepa M Ollapally, Research Professor of International Affairs & Associate Director SigurCenter for Asian Studies, Elliott School of  International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington D.C U.S.
Delivering a lecture on What does Donald Trumps’s Victory mean for India organised by Centre for Public Policy Research – Centre for Strategic Studies, said that to run his administration as a corporation, largely a top-down approach is needed. Foreign policy style – Nation building abroad no longer a priority, and
America first/build America first will be Trump’s priority.
Leaders are reacting and adjusting to him rather than the other way around. His call to
Taiwan and Pakistan is in indicative of this. He is setting the terms of discourse on how he wants it, what kind of message he wants to send across, his communications skills is astounding. In the information age controlling communications important, she said.
Trump clearly like leaders who are strong who can take decisions. He prefers autocratic situation where he can make a deal and have it signed on a dotted line. Trump’s focus will be on Middle East not South Asian terrorism. They however will focus on Afghanistan which will be profitable for India. The resetting of relations with Russia will also help India.With Trump there will be a greater room for Indian autonomy. India must consolidate its development priorities and rise as an economic powerhouse and maintain a
balance of power in Asia that it is not China-centric.
India has to go into a transnationalist mode as that’s the way Trump is going to act. Probably he will see India as a strategic partner, but atleast not now and even many Indians would also prefer a transnationalist approach with the U.S.
At the same time a large rising power like India cannot rely on another large power like US for security, because all have their own interests. In that sense, strategic independence is important. For India peaceful relations with theextended neighbourhood is crucial.
The challenge to China is based on a protectionist outlook. This is going to affect India – especially services (Indian IT) sector. The idea of Make in India is going to clash with Trump’s Make in America.
Trump wants to have a lot of bilateral treaties and as long as Trump takes a hard protectionist stance, it will be difficult for India. Recently India was made a major defense partner; but Trump’s protectionist regime calls may may affect the clauses of joint defenseproduction.
Trump is simply going to call pivot to Asia with another name and will continue with it. The meeting with Japan’s Shinzo Abe would have made him re-think on his stand on allies in the Asia-Pacific.
Overall, immigration is going to be Trump’s top priorities.The Indian software industry might not be as badly affected. He has painted the whole thing in a broad brush. He may find entry of skilled labours required where US needs it and he will be flexible.
Everyone was convinced that the Republicans are going to be in shambles after Trump’s victory. Its the other way around now. It’s a time for self reflection of the Democrats as they are making mistakes. They shooed away the young demographics by choosing a Vice President who was more conservative. The ideology in the Democratic party has to change for it to have a future in U.S politics, she said.