US Elections: From Trump to Modi, Pakistan to Palestine — What's Next for Global Politics and Digital Economies?

Written by: Syed Salman Mehdi November 10, 2024

With the American elections concluded, Donald Trump’s return as the 47th President has stirred both anticipation and apprehension across the globe. While his policies and rhetoric will impact diverse regions from South Asia to the Middle East, there’s also keen interest in how his administration might shape the digital economy and IT developments worldwide, particularly for emerging markets like Pakistan.

Orchestrated Elections? Media, Polls, and Mind Games

From the onset, media channels and polling agencies showcased Kamala Harris as a strong contender, crafting a narrative of competition. For some observers, Harris’s candidacy was perceived as an exercise in perception management, a way to project a semblance of rivalry while guiding public sentiment using advanced psychology and artificial intelligence. This use of technology to manage narratives is a trend we see evolving across media, where traditional coverage interlaces with AI-driven data analysis to shape public opinion subtly.

Trump’s re-election and rebranded image as the “saviour of American values” is seen by some as the establishment’s deliberate move to direct America towards domestic focus — a notion appealing to many Americans but concerning for global markets reliant on U.S. policy stability.

Trump’s Controversial First Term and Its Impact on Global Affairs

Trump’s prior term was marked by contentious policies that reshaped America’s stance on the world stage. His administration’s policies tightened immigration laws, pursued trade wars with China, and embraced an "America First" policy. Additionally, his approach towards Israel, specifically through the Abraham Accords and embassy relocation, underscored an alignment that prioritised Israeli interests over Middle Eastern stability.

These policies affected not only regional politics but also digital economies and the global tech landscape. Trump’s stance on Chinese technology giants such as Huawei and TikTok reflected a broader scepticism toward foreign digital influence, impacting countless technology workers and developers globally. Given his history, Trump’s return may further heighten these divides, raising questions on how open the digital economy will remain for emerging markets.

Digital Economy and E-commerce: The Prospects for Pakistan

Pakistan has a vested interest in the direction of U.S. policy towards the digital economy. As an IT professional, I’m particularly focused on how new American leadership might influence or enable Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers in accessing international markets.

The past few years have seen Pakistani e-commerce take significant strides. Platforms such as Daraz have grown tremendously, while a rising number of Pakistani entrepreneurs are engaging in the global marketplace. However, barriers remain — particularly with services like PayPal still inaccessible for freelancers in Pakistan. Trump’s policies, if protectionist in nature, might impact our access to such financial gateways and make it harder for Pakistanis to capitalise on the thriving gig economy.

Moreover, initiatives that ease the creation of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in the U.S. could be game-changing for Pakistani freelancers and small business owners. With simpler LLC frameworks, professionals could work internationally with enhanced legal protection and credibility, while having access to business accounts, financial services, and other benefits essential to global business operations.

Under Biden, there was little movement towards facilitating international access to these services for markets like Pakistan. The question now is whether Trump’s approach will be more supportive or restrictive. For Pakistan, access to such digital frameworks could open doors for exponential growth in IT, e-commerce, and freelancing sectors.

The Zionist Influence: From Palestinian Struggles to American Policy

Historically, the Zionist agenda has heavily influenced U.S. foreign policy, often to the detriment of Palestine and its people. Palestinians have endured severe hardships, with countless lives lost, homes demolished, and families devastated. In response, resistance groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah emerged, though the U.S. continues to provide Israel with advanced weapons and financial backing.

For Pakistani businesses and IT professionals, it’s a stark reminder of the role politics play in shaping economic and tech landscapes. The geopolitical alliances often underscore the economic focus of American foreign policy, which prioritises certain alliances over a broader commitment to international access or economic equity.

The Kamala Conundrum: America’s Reluctance for Female Leadership

The selection of Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate carried complexities, with her identity as a woman of colour raising questions about America’s readiness for diverse leadership. This scepticism reflects an undercurrent in American society that tends to favour traditional leadership models. Trump’s re-election symbolises, for some, a preference for a certain cultural conservatism that resists shifts in power dynamics, even in the realm of digital inclusion and economic development.

The Global Impact: What Trump’s Return Means for Pakistan, India, and the Middle East

For Pakistan, Trump’s return may signal both challenges and opportunities. While past administrations, including Trump’s, have strained relations with Islamabad, there remains hope for a more cooperative approach towards Pakistan’s role in the tech and IT sectors. One area of interest would be an easing of trade restrictions and digital service regulations that could benefit Pakistan’s expanding freelancer and tech communities.

For example, platforms like Amazon’s FBA program, which now allows Pakistani sellers, could receive more policy support. Additionally, if Trump’s administration looks to strengthen ties with allies against China, Pakistan’s strategic position might offer the opportunity for increased digital and tech partnerships. However, navigating these alliances will require a delicate balance from Pakistan’s leadership.

Conclusion: A Continued Cycle of Influence and Alliances

Whether led by Trump or another leader, the American agenda — especially concerning economic policy — often remains unchanged in core priorities. The interests of powerful lobbies like the Zionist establishment shape much of the foreign policy, which ultimately impacts markets like Pakistan's, even in the IT and digital sectors.

As Trump prepares to steer America’s direction once more, the world waits to see how his policies will influence not just global politics but also digital economies and emerging markets. For Pakistan’s IT sector, the prospects of a more accessible and supportive digital economy remain uncertain. Access to platforms like PayPal, simpler pathways to LLCs, and smoother regulations in global e-commerce are just a few areas that could significantly advance Pakistan's digital footprint on the world stage.

Trump’s presidency will indeed ripple across South Asia and the Middle East, affecting not only political dynamics but also the digital growth trajectory in countries like Pakistan. Whether he can indeed "make America great again" remains to be seen, but the impact on global tech and e-commerce will be felt long after.

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