The Global Power Struggle: How Trump 2.0 Could Reshape U.S.-China Influence in Southeast Asia and Beyond
The world is watching as the U.S. and China vie for dominance on the global stage, but what does a second Trump administration mean for this high-stakes competition? And this is the part most people miss: the subtle shifts in regional alliances that could redefine geopolitical landscapes. Enter the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), which is hosting a thought-provoking seminar titled “Measuring U.S. Global Influence Under Trump 2.0” led by the esteemed Mr. Gregory Poling. But here's where it gets controversial: How reliable are the metrics we use to gauge global influence, and what do they reveal about the future of U.S.-China relations?**
In this seminar, Gregory Poling, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), will delve into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China competition for regional influence. Poling will introduce the groundbreaking CSIS Global Alignment Index, a tool that uniquely tracks support for U.S., Chinese, and Russian leadership over time. This index isn’t just another data set—it’s a window into how nations are aligning themselves in an increasingly polarized world. Poling will highlight key findings from Southeast Asia and the BRICS countries, offering insights into how a second Trump administration might alter the balance of power. For instance, will Trump’s ‘America First’ policies strengthen or weaken U.S. alliances in these critical regions? And how might China capitalize on any perceived U.S. retreat?
About the Speaker
Gregory Poling is no stranger to complex geopolitical issues. As the director of both the Southeast Asia Program and the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Poling is a leading authority on the South China Sea disputes, a topic that has become a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. His research spans U.S. alliances, democratization in Southeast Asia, and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. His recent book, On Dangerous Ground: America’s Century in the South China Sea, has been widely acclaimed, and his writings have appeared in prestigious publications like Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Wall Street Journal, and the Naval War College Review. With an MA in international affairs from American University and a BA in history and philosophy from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Poling combines academic rigor with real-world insight.
Controversy & Comment Hooks
Here’s a bold question to ponder: Could the CSIS Global Alignment Index inadvertently favor one superpower over another? Some critics argue that such indices may reflect Western biases, while others believe they provide an objective measure of global sentiment. What do you think? Does the U.S. stand a chance against China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia under Trump 2.0, or is the tide irreversibly turning? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that demands diverse perspectives.
