Donald Trump’s return to the White House has almost single-handedly altered the course of contemporary international politics. Under his watch, Washington seems to have become disinterested in its leadership of the world. The transatlantic relationship has been damaged, if not altogether dismantled; the war in Ukraine is turning in Russia’s favour; and China continues its assertive global rise. There is little clarity about what comes next. And it has only been a little over five months since Trump assumed office in Washington.
Our latest issue, titled “The Trump Effect”, is dedicated to examining what the Trump presidency means for the world—and for India. Personally, as someone deeply engaged in the study of international relations, the Trump phenomenon has been both intellectually stimulating and fascinating to witness and write about.
For India, the Trump factor brings several interrelated strategic challenges, some of which we witnessed during the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan, when Trump’s statements diverged from the otherwise strong trajectory of India-US relations. While his presidency will formally end in January 2029, Trump’s legacy will define world politics for decades to come.
With contributions from well-known authors across the US, Canada, Russia, the UK, the Netherlands, South Korea, and India, this edition offers a truly global range of perspectives on a variety of topics. It reflects our ambition for India’s World to become a truly international magazine—with an Indian view.
This issue brings you a rich blend of content on international relations, Indian foreign policy, art, history, culture, sports, literature, and interviews. At 48,000 words, this is our most expansive issue to date, yet we’ve kept it accessible, argumentative, and deeply engaging for you.
I have two personal favourites in this issue. First, Vandana Menon’s Ottapalam: A Town in Malabar and the Making of Modern India, which narrates how a small town in Malabar produced an extraordinary number of individuals who rose to prominence in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, intelligence agencies, and other national institutions. I also recommend Rajesh Rajagopalan’s deeply insightful and equally argumentative essay, “Is the US still a useful strategic partner?”
I hope you’ve been enjoying India’s World. I’d love to hear your thoughts—write to me at editor@indiasworld.in and let me know what you think of our journey so far.
Read, subscribe, and support India’s World—and witness international relations unfold as never before.
