One Day Seminar on US Foreign Policy under Trump Administration: Implications for South Asia
The Department of International Relations at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, organized a one-day seminar on “US Foreign Policy under the Trump Administration: Implications for South Asia” on February 26, 2025, at Iqbal Hall, Ibn-e-Rushd Block. Three distinguished speakers—Dr. Kenneth Holland, Dr. Sarina Shirazi, and Dr. Sadia Sulaiman—shared their insights on the shifts in US foreign policy toward South Asia under the Trump administration.
The seminar began with an opening speech by Dr. Sarwat Rauf, Head of the Department of International Relations at NUML. She explained the importance of the seminar’s topic and warmly welcomed the respected guest speakers. The first speaker, Dr. Kenneth Holland, Chief of Party for the USAID Higher Education Project in Pakistan and Professor of Political Science at the University of Utah, started the discussion and highlighted the Trump administration’s departure from traditional US foreign policy principles, such as promoting democracy and global cooperation. He emphasized the shift toward power politics and bilateralism, reshaping US engagement in South Asia.
Dr. Sarina Shirazi, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Business Management at TMUC, analyzed Trump’s return to power and its impact on global trade, security, and economies. She discussed the effects of trade wars, economic shifts, and security challenges, noting the cyclical nature of US politics and its evolving global engagement frameworks.
Dr. Sadia Sulaiman, Acting Director of the Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America at Quaid-i-Azam University, examined Trump’s foreign policy approach using the Four Ps Framework: Prioritization, Partnership, Participation, and Persistence. She explored US regional priorities, strategic partnerships, and the role of the South Asian diaspora in influencing policy. Her presentation questioned whether US-South Asia relations would remain transactional or evolve into long-term engagements, particularly in addressing human security challenges.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shad, Dean of Social Sciences, concluded the seminar with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the esteemed speakers for their insightful contributions. The seminar offered a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration’s foreign policy and its far-reaching implications for South Asia. It provided an enriching platform for students and faculty, deepening their understanding of the region’s geopolitical dynamics and fostering informed discussions.
