Impact of Trump Administration Policies on Pakistan-United States Bilateral Relations: A Comprehensive Appraisal

Abstract

The bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States underwent significant transformations during the Trump administration (2017–2021), marked by a shift toward transactional diplomacy and conditional cooperation. This article provides a comprehensive appraisal of how President Donald J. Trump’s "America First" policy redefined engagement with Pakistan, emphasizing burden-sharing in counterterrorism and conditioning military and economic aid on measurable outcomes. Key policy shifts included the suspension of nearly $2 billion in security assistance, the termination of trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and public accusations of Pakistan harboring militant groups. These measures strained diplomatic ties, fueling anti-American sentiment in Pakistan and prompting Islamabad to recalibrate its foreign policy. In response, Pakistan deepened strategic partnerships with China and Russia, notably through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to reduce dependence on the U.S. The article also examines Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan’s peace process, highlighting its dual position as both a facilitator and a subject of scrutiny. Geopolitical tensions were further exacerbated by the U.S.’s growing alignment with India, intensifying Pakistan’s security dilemmas. Through an analysis of political, military, and economic dynamics, the study reveals that the Trump era underscored the fragility of a relationship historically driven by strategic expediency rather than shared long-term objectives. The findings contribute to broader discussions on how emerging powers navigate shifting alliances in an increasingly multipolar world.

Keywords: Trump Administration, Pakistan-U.S. Relations, Transactional Diplomacy, Counterterrorism, Military Aid, CPEC, Afghanistan Peace Process, Strategic Realignment, Multipolarity, "America First" Policy