Dr Abdul Basit
THE US midterm elections of November 3, 2026, have dealt a major political setback to President Donald Trump, with Democrats capturing control of both chambers of Congress. The outcome reflects growing public dissatisfaction with rising living costs, economic uncertainty, foreign military engagements and concerns over governmental accountability. These developments mark a significant shift in American politics amid a changing international order, with implications for global security, trade and strategic competition. The elections have ushered in divided government, with a Republican president facing a Democratic-controlled Congress. Although Trump retains considerable executive authority, particularly in foreign affairs and national security, Congress holds substantial powers over legislation, government spending, appointments and oversight. The remaining two years of his presidency may therefore witness heightened political confrontation. However, divided government could also create opportunities for bipartisan cooperation on issues of shared national interest, depending on the willingness of political leaders to accommodate competing perspectives and respect constitutional institutions.
America and the Changing International Order: The elections have taken place amid a gradual transformation in the global distribution of power. Following the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world’s predominant military and economic power. However, China’s economic rise, Russia’s military influence, India’s growing international significance and the increasing diplomatic role of emerging economies have challenged the unipolar order. Although the United States retains considerable military, technological, financial and diplomatic influence, it must increasingly navigate a world characterized by competing centres of power. The midterm elections will not fundamentally alter these geopolitical realities but may influence Washington’s response to international challenges. A Democratic-controlled Congress could intensify scrutiny of military spending, trade restrictions, sanctions and foreign policy commitments. Nevertheless, the president will retain substantial authority over diplomacy and national security. Washington’s central challenge will be to reconcile domestic political divisions with the demands of global leadership.
Pakistan-US Relations: Opportunities and Constraints: Pakistan-US relations have historically oscillated between strategic cooperation and diplomatic disagreements. From the Cold War and the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan to the post-9/11 period, security cooperation remained central to bilateral ties. However, differences over Afghanistan, nuclear policy, regional security and US relations with India periodically strained relations. Following the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, opportunities emerged to broaden cooperation beyond security. The midterm elections may create additional channels for engagement with American lawmakers, but should not be expected to automatically improve bilateral relations. Pakistan should prioritize economic diplomacy by expanding trade, particularly textile exports and promoting cooperation in information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Academic and scientific partnerships could further strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and medical sciences. Nevertheless, US-India strategic ties, competition with China and Pakistan’s domestic economic challenges remain constraints. The long-term objective should be a mutually beneficial partnership based on trade, investment, technology and education.
Pakistan-China Relations and the Future of CPEC: China remains one of Pakistan’s most important strategic and economic partners. The relationship encompasses defense cooperation, infrastructure development, energy, trade, technology and regional diplomacy. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) represents a major component of this partnership. It has contributed to electricity generation, transportation infrastructure and economic connectivity. However, the long-term success of CPEC depends upon translating infrastructure investment into industrial productivity, exports, employment and technological advancement. CPEC Phase II places greater emphasis on industrial cooperation, agriculture, mineral development, technology transfer and private-sector investment.
These initiatives offer opportunities to modernize Pakistan’s textile, surgical instruments, sports goods, pharmaceutical and agricultural-processing industries. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including financial sustainability, security concerns, implementation delays and the need to ensure that local communities benefit from development projects. Pakistan must also avoid excessive dependence upon external financing and imported technologies. The ultimate objective should be to transform the Pakistan-China partnership from one centered largely upon infrastructure development into a foundation for sustainable industrialization, technological innovation and economic self-reliance.
Pakistan’s Strategic Choices: Intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing presents Pakistan with an important diplomatic challenge. While China remains a major strategic partner, the United States offers valuable export markets, investment, educational partnerships and technological cooperation. These relationships need not be mutually exclusive. Pakistan should maintain its strategic partnership with China while expanding economic and scientific cooperation with the United States, Europe, Gulf countries and other partners. A pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests, rather than geopolitical alignments, is essential. Strategic autonomy requires diplomatic and economic flexibility, supported by political stability, effective institutions, technological development, competitive industries and a strong export-oriented economy.
The Way Forward: The US midterm elections have altered Washington’s political balance, but fundamental foreign policy challenges, including competition with China, the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern instability, remain. For Pakistan, this changing geopolitical environment presents both opportunities and constraints. The country must strengthen economic relations with the United States, consolidate its strategic partnership with China and diversify international relationships. Ultimately, Pakistan’s global standing will depend less on navigating major-power rivalries and more on building a strong, productive, technologically advanced and economically self-reliant nation. Economic strength, diplomatic flexibility and strategic foresight must remain the foundations of its foreign policy and national security.
—The writer is Chancellor of Preston University and may be reached at: [email protected]
