As America Slips

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 12 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 12 July 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations – India–USA Relations; GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – Global Economic Trends and Impact; GS Paper 1: Globalization and Its Effects

Context

As the United States retreats from its traditional pillars of strength—universities, immigration, and industrial policy—it is inadvertently creating a global vacuum. This editorial dissects the decline of U.S. influence and outlines the potential for India to step up strategically. For UPSC aspirants, this editorial offers insights into globalization, international relations, and India’s geopolitical posture.

America’s Strategic Self-Sabotage

America, often a torchbearer of innovation and openness, is witnessing an internal crisis akin to an “autoimmune disease,” wherein its systems are attacking their own foundations.

• Universities Under Threat:
  Top U.S. institutions face significant funding cuts, with over 50 universities experiencing reduced research grants. Political attacks on scientific domains—especially sociology, statistics, and even physics—signal a declining knowledge ecosystem.

• Immigration Reversal:
  Once a magnet for global talent, the U.S. is adopting stricter immigration norms. From STEM students to skilled workers, the entry barriers have increased. This is reducing its long-held competitive edge in innovation.

• Policy Incoherence:
  Political slogans like “Make America Great Again” often translate into irrational policy swings. The focus is more on symbolism than sound economics, such as penalizing efficient foreign retailers while subsidizing outdated sectors.

Ripple Effects of America’s Decline on the Global Order

• Economic Fragmentation:
  As America distances itself from liberal economic values, globalization faces strain. Countries are recalibrating their strategies amid fears of over-dependence on a wavering superpower.

• Decline of Scientific Credibility:
  U.S. research credibility is waning due to politically motivated defunding and attacks on academic freedom. The editorial notes a sharp drop in reproducibility and scientific transparency.

• Democracy Under Stress:
  America’s democratic image is undermined by hyper-nationalism, irregular governance, and reduced international leadership—resulting in global mistrust.

India’s Window of Strategic Opportunity

India, if agile and visionary, can fill the void left by the U.S. retreat. Here’s how:

• Global Talent Magnet:
  With rising discontent among foreign students and professionals in the U.S., India can offer itself as a liberal, democratic, and opportunity-rich destination—provided reforms are made in visa, employment, and R&D policies.

• Manufacturing Pivot:
  India has the opportunity to become the next hub in global manufacturing. U.S. firms are looking to relocate from China and diversify supply chains. With initiatives like Make in India and PLI, India is already positioned well.

• Scientific & Academic Renaissance:
  While India currently lags in global university rankings, with increased investment and autonomy, it can rise as a new global academic hub.

Decline of the U.S. vs. India’s Opportunity

Aspect	Trend in the US	Opportunity for India
Higher Education	Decline in public funding and political interference in universities	Boost R&D, improve university autonomy, and attract foreign researchers
Immigration & Talent Policy	Restrictive immigration, rising xenophobia	Liberalize skilled immigration policies and create academic incentives
Industrial Base & Manufacturing	Overreliance on subsidies, supply chain instability	Strengthen core sectors via PLI schemes and global manufacturing partnerships
Scientific Research	Politicization and underfunding of science	Increase spending on basic science and encourage public–private research initiatives
Global Perception	Loss of trust and geopolitical coherence	Project India as a stable, democratic, and multilateral leader

Conclusion

America’s internal turmoil is symptomatic of a larger ideological shift—one that could alter the global balance of power. As the U.S. grapples with protectionism, scientific decline, and democratic inconsistencies, India finds itself at a potential turning point. However, opportunity is not destiny. India must act decisively to capitalize on this rare geopolitical alignment.

Way Forward

• Revamp Higher Education: India should enhance research funding, liberalize academic autonomy, and incentivize international faculty engagement.

• Liberal Talent Policy: Reform visa systems to welcome global innovators, especially in science, AI, and advanced manufacturing.

• Geopolitical Assertiveness: Strengthen ties with EU, ASEAN, and Global South nations to step into the vacuum of U.S. global leadership.

• Institutional Credibility: Uphold rule of law, policy predictability, and democratic values to gain trust from investors and allies.

• Public–Private Collaboration: Enable new innovation ecosystems by supporting startups, industries, and research hubs through fiscal and regulatory support.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) With the United States witnessing a decline in its global leadership due to internal contradictions, what opportunities does this create for India? Examine how India can recalibrate its economic, educational, and geopolitical strategies to capitalize on these shifts.