Donald Trump is back in the White House, and from where we stand in the developing world, it’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu.
Love or hate him, his return marks a turning point in global politics. But what does it mean for nations like ours, often at the mercy of decisions made far from our borders?
Trump’s supporters have a knack for manipulating narratives. They twist facts, deny realities, and leave even seasoned observers questioning the truth.
This isn’t just an American phenomenon. Across the world, populist and right-wing leaders are gaining ground. Why? People feel abandoned by elites, left to face economic uncertainty and cultural shifts with little support.
For countries like ours, the rise of the right in global superpowers is a double-edged sword. It inspires similar movements at home but risks sidelining the democratic values and freedoms we’ve fought to secure.
Trump’s return forces us to ask: can we withstand this global wave, or will we be swept along?
On his first day returning to the White House, Trump did not waste any time, rolling out executive orders undoing much of what his predecessor had achieved.
In terms of immigration, the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries is back, a move that hits close to home for many in the developing world.
On energy, he is doubling down on fossil fuels, pushing aside renewable energy initiatives that many of us depend on for funding and technology.
Meanwhile, on trade, the US pulling out of international climate agreements sends a clear message: American interests first, everyone else second.
For developing nations, these decisions are more than just headlines. Stricter immigration policies mean families are separated and opportunities are lost.
Energy policy shifts could derail renewable energy projects in regions that need them most. The withdrawal from climate commitments is a direct blow to vulnerable nations already facing the brunt of climate change.
The international reaction to Trump’s comeback is revealing. Allies such as Europe are proceeding cautiously, uncertain about relying on the US in the future. Meanwhile, rivals like China and Russia use the situation to increase their influence.
But for smaller nations, it’s a different story. In the Middle East, Trump’s pro-Israel stance reignites old tensions. African countries worry about losing aid and being further marginalised. In Asia, there’s concern that Trump’s America-first policies will deepen economic inequalities.
How do we, as developing nations, navigate this new chapter? Can we chart our course, or are we destined to react to the moves of superpowers?
Trump’s return is a stark reminder of how vulnerable global systems can be. Democracy, once seen as a beacon, now feels fragile. Trust in institutions is eroding. And charisma, for better or worse, often overrides substance in politics.
For those of us in the developing world, the lesson is clear: self-reliance is more important than ever. We can’t count on superpowers to prioritise our interests.
Instead, we must invest in our systems, strengthen regional cooperation, and hold our leaders accountable.
The role of the media, too, cannot be ignored. Sensationalist reporting and unchecked misinformation have played a big part in fuelling divisions.
Social media has amplified these problems, making it even harder to separate fact from fiction.
Gaslighting is at an all-time high. Now it is not a matter of what you witness and see, but rather what you’re being told. The trend now is to question the truth and trust in fiction and fabrication wholeheartedly.
X (formerly Twitter) is becoming home to the right-wing uprising, regardless of whether you subscribe to its ideals, if you spend any time there, you’d be force-fed with a conservative narrative.
Here we go again. Trump’s return isn’t just about America—it’s a global event with far-reaching consequences.
In the end, the future we want is up to us. Are we ready to take charge of our destiny, or will we let others decide?
For nations like ours, it’s a test of resilience and adaptability. Will his leadership bring opportunities or deepen inequalities? That’s the question we must grapple with.
In a sense, it means we must hold dear to our moral compass and failing to do so would allow more room for extremism and backward thinking.
That being said, extremism exists on both sides of the spectrum. We grew up in a world where we thought centrist thinking would prevail. But that is no longer the case.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
