European Think-Tank Survey Reveals Indian Optimism for Trump’s Second Term

The European Council on Foreign Relations, in cooperation with Oxford University's Europe in a Changing World project, found that people in many countries around the world are upbeat about the second Trump presidency.

A majority of Indians feel the return of Donald Trump as US President will be a "good thing" for peace in the world and US-India relations, according to a global poll by a European think-tank released on Wednesday.

The European Council on Foreign Relations, in cooperation with Oxford University's Europe in a Changing World project, found that people in many countries around the world are upbeat about the second Trump presidency.

Advertisement

It identified India within the "Trump Welcomers" category, which reflects a view that Trump 2.0 would be good for India and the world.

"In countries from India and China to Turkey and Brazil, more respondents think Trump will be good for America, for their country and for peace in the world than think he will be bad for them," the study reads under the title 'Alone in a Trumpian World: The EU and Global Public Opinion after the US Elections'.

Advertisement

"We identified five 'tendencies' for how people view Trump's return. The first are the Trump Welcomers. They view Trump's election victory as good for Americans and for peace in the world. This attitude is widespread in India and Saudi Arabia, but also popular in Russia, South Africa, China and Brazil. Most Trump Welcomers also see the incoming President as good for their own country," notes the multi-country poll.

In India, 82 per cent believe that Trump's election is a "good thing" for peace in the world, 84 per cent good for their own country, and 85 per cent good for American citizens.

Advertisement

"At the other extreme are the Never Trumpers — those who see his victory as bad for Americans and for peace in the world. The Never Trumpers are a very rare breed globally, and they are concentrated in Europe — notably the United Kingdom, where they constitute half the public. They often represent the progressive opponents of Trump (not just in Europe but also in Brazil, South Korea and Turkey)," the study notes.

As a result, report authors Mark Leonard, Ivan Krastev and Timothy Garton Ash suggest European leaders may struggle to find internal unity or global allies if they try to shape a worldwide liberal resistance to the US president-elect. The authors identify trends that could assist the European Union (EU) against this backdrop, and help it become stronger and more united in the coming period.

Advertisement

First, its confidence in its interests and the way it will shape its relations with powers. Second, international perceptions of its status as a world power and increasing influence. And third, its potential for strategic partnerships, with countries such as Brazil, India, and South Africa, where people broadly see the EU as both powerful and as an ally or a partner.

"Europe is rather isolated in its angst over the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House. While most Europeans see the president-elect as a disrupter, others across the globe look upon him as a peacemaker. The latter position places Europe at a crossroads in its relationships with the new American administration," said Ivan Krastev, co-author and Chair of the Centre for Liberal Strategies.

Advertisement

Added Mark Leonard, co-founder and director of the ECFR: "While the rest of Europe is freaking out about the prospect of Trump in the White House, most of the rest of the world believes his presidency will be good for the United States, the world, and peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

"Instead of aspiring to be global opposition to Trump, Europeans ought to assume charge of their agenda - and see ways of inventing new engagements in a much more transactional world." Survey pulls data from 11 European Union member countries that include Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Estonia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary; India and China; Britain, Ukraine; Turkey, Russia; the U.S., Brazil; Saudi Arabia; South Africa, Indonesia; South Korea; and Switzerland. It was commissioned through leading pollsters YouGov, Datapraxis and Gallup International Association and follows comparable survey reports of attitudes towards developing and existing global powers in previous years.

Advertisement

Read also| Trump Takes Credit for Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Citing 'Historic Victory'

Read also| Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire and Hostage Deal, Confirms Biden

Advertisement

Advertisement