There is a saying in the world of investment banking that “Offense is an investment.” The idea is simple: those who are underestimated and ignored often end up making the most successful moves and buying shares at a lower price before the masses notice. In political terms, this strategy reflects how Donald Trump, after being insulted and sidelined after the 2020 election, has managed to turn his defeat into a powerful comeback. By capitalizing on the insults he has received, Trump has repositioned himself as a major player in global politics, turning public ridicule into political currency.

But Trump’s resurgence is not just a matter of political judgment; it is also about alliances, the kind that transcend national borders and redefine power structures. One such alliance is his relationship with Vladimir Putin, which, viewed through a historical lens, resembles the complex political alliances of the past. Trump’s approach to Putin could be seen as a trump card of sorts.

Just as the Soviet Union under Gorbachev was drawn into the Afghan war and broken into pieces, Trump seems ready to deconstruct the global balance of power. His policies, particularly those in the Middle East and his controversial approach to NATO, have created a situation where the US now faces a $36 trillion debt, with Trump eyeing a future in which the US would fall apart could fall and transform the “50 stars” on the flag. in 51 states, while Israel’s role in the growing China-Russia-Iran (CRI) alliance could ultimately lead to Iran’s destruction.

A new world order under autocratic rule, with Putin at the helm, is a scenario that seems increasingly possible. Amid these shifting global tides, there is one group that Trump has promised to “save”: the Hindus. While Indian Prime Minister Modi may claim to be their protector, Trump’s Diwali promise to protect Hindus worldwide paints a different picture. To some this may sound like a lofty promise, but to others it is seen as an essential lifeline in a world where geopolitical alliances are more important than ever. Meanwhile, India’s relationship with Canada is one of the most sensitive sticking points in this evolving story.

Canada, a close ally of the US, is already at loggerheads with India on several issues, especially as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has taken a position seen as anti-India. This growing friction threatens to exacerbate simmering tensions within the Sikh community, especially in Punjab. As Trudeau’s policies potentially fuel Sikh extremism, instability could escalate, further complicating India’s geopolitical position. If Sikh militism gains strength, it may find unexpected allies in the form of Pakistan, as Islamic extremism and Sikh separatism threaten to form a dangerous alliance – a combination that could undermine India’s internal security.

This scenario doesn’t quite resemble the world that Henry Ford once supported, albeit in a different era and context. Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, became infamous for his personal admiration for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. His anti-Semitic views, as set out in his publication The International Jew, were echoed by Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. Ford’s business interests aligned with those of the Nazi regime, including lucrative contracts that benefited its German subsidiary Ford-Werke. Although Ford’s connection with Hitler was ideological, it was also financial: a pragmatic alliance that yielded both political and economic rewards. Fast forward to today, and we see a striking similarity between Ford’s support for Hitler and Musk’s support for Trump.

Elon Musk, a technology magnate with enormous influence, has embraced Trump’s populist message, praising him for his policies on deregulation and free markets. Musk’s relationship with Trump may not be rooted in ideology to the same extent as Ford’s with Hitler, but the political and business calculations are eerily similar. Like Ford, Musk sees Trump as an opportunity to align his business interests with a powerful political figure. Musk’s recent purchase of Twitter, his vocal support for Trump and his willingness to use his platform to reshape public discourse are strategic moves, not just personal beliefs.

At the heart of this dynamic is a simple truth: Both Ford and Musk, in their respective times, recognized the value of political alignment in securing economic and corporate power. Ford saw his admiration for Hitler as a path to financial gain in a fractured Europe. Musk, meanwhile, sees his support for Trump as a means to guarantee policies that benefit his empire, such as deregulation, low taxes and the prioritization of business over social security. Just as Ford’s relationship with the Nazi regime played a major role in expanding his company’s reach in Europe, Musk’s ties with Trump could strengthen his own business interests in today’s global economy.

Musk’s approach to Trump is also a form of personal branding. Both men have developed larger-than-life personas, largely through social media, and both understand the power of controversy. Just as Ford was able to influence public perception through his business skills and political leanings, Musk uses his platform – Twitter, now X – to shape political discourse. Musk’s support for Trump also reflects Ford’s nationalist rhetoric from the early 20th century. While Ford’s nationalism was overtly racist, Musk’s alignment with Trump reflects a modern form of populism, focused on nationalism, “America First” policies and anti-establishment rhetoric.

However, the ultimate question remains: what happens when business and politics become so intertwined that it threatens the very fabric of democratic institutions? Ford’s support for Hitler contributed to the global rise of fascism, and Trump’s alliances with figures like Putin raise concerns about the future of democracy and global stability. Musk’s own role in this political theater could be a footnote in history, or an important chapter in the ongoing battle between corporate power and political freedom. The stakes are high, especially for India. As the geopolitical landscape changes, India’s position on the global stage becomes increasingly complex.

The rise of populism, the breakdown of traditional alliances and the unpredictable actions of powerful businessmen like Musk and Trump all point to a future in which global stability could be at risk. India’s relationship with Canada, the growing threat of Sikh extremism and the destabilizing effects of a Trump-led US are all factors that could tip the balance in unpredictable ways.

The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear. As history has shown, when powerful businessmen like Ford or Musk align themselves with controversial political figures, the consequences can be far-reaching and transformative. For better or worse, their influence is undeniable, and their alliances, however pragmatic, will shape the world for years to come.

(The writer is an Associate Professor, Center for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.)