The article posits that Donald Trump's potential return to the US presidency signals a fundamental shift in American foreign policy, moving away from maintaining the post-World War II international order. It suggests the US now views alliances transactionally, demanding unqualified deference and burden-sharing from partners like India. This change, coupled with a perceived weakening of the Quad, is expected to embolden China and potentially worsen India's challenges with Beijing, prompting a reconsideration of India's Pakistan policy.