turn back from the Trump path

The recent decisions by Donald Trump regarding foreign development aid have created ripples across the globe. The policy to drastically cut the aid that the United States has been providing to developing and underdeveloped countries for years has been put forward. Britain has also announced that it will follow suit. Gradually, other developed nations are also likely to follow the same path.

According to the Trump administration, this decision has been made to prioritize American interests and to cut unnecessary spending on foreign soil. Their argument is that the money collected from American citizens' taxes should be used for the benefit of the American people rather than being spent in foreign countries. Some may see this as an excellent example of nationalism, but upon closer examination, its long-term effects could be devastating.

The impact of cutting international development aid is not immediately visible, but when education, health, infrastructure, and social reform projects come to a standstill, their effects become clear. History tells us that when poor nations become weaker, when their citizens become discontented, when job opportunities disappear, instability, conflict, and violence ensue. While it may seem that Trump is protecting American interests by stopping aid, in reality, this policy will backfire in the long run. When poor countries become poorer, global economic imbalances increase, which affects the United States and other developed nations as well.

Is development aid a favor? No. Is it merely a matter of charity? No. It is a minimal effort to rectify historical injustices. According to the commitment made through the United Nations after World War II, developed nations have a responsibility to assist developing countries. Neo-Marxist theories have shown that the historical global economic structure itself is based on inequality. Therefore, the aid provided by developed nations to rectify this situation is not a donation but their historical responsibility.

Rather, the important thing to debate and improve is whether developing nations are using this aid properly! If development aid is not properly utilized, corruption increases, state governance weakens, and countries become more dependent. Governments of developing nations must be committed to spending the aid received transparently, investing it in the interest of the people, and creating long-term plans. As Amartya Sen said in ‘The Idea of Justice,’ “True development is not limited to economic growth; it is a combination of social justice, equal opportunity, and democratic accountability.”

Interdependence is the reality of the world. No country can be completely self-reliant, but being dependent is not a long-term solution either. The world's resources should not be limited to a few countries; they should be distributed equitably. As Amartya Sen said in ‘Development as Freedom,’ “Development is not just about owning resources, but making them accessible equitably is true development.” The Trump administration's policy will be harmful to American interests in the long run. When developing countries become weak, the possibility of war increases, immigration becomes difficult to control, and international trade is affected. It seems that Trump is trying to prevent war by stopping aid, but in reality, he is strengthening inequality, which will ultimately lead to conflict.

Currently, America is losing its leadership in the world order. America cannot become great by military power or economic dominance alone; only just policies, responsibility for global humanity, and international cooperation can maintain America's true strength. Trump's supporters should seriously consider this: Will today's decision make America safer tomorrow? Will this policy bring stability to the world, or will it cause unrest?

There is still time for the American administration and the developed nations that have followed it to change course and turn back from the Trump path. Rich countries must stand not only as powerful nations but also as just leaders. Only the fair distribution of resources can bring stability to the world order. True humanity is not about making weak nations weaker, but about empowering them. Just, sustainable, and equitable development is the foundation of lasting peace. If this path is not adopted, the possibility of another conflict is not far off.