The US Presidential race an analysis of continuity and chaos for the global community, the interpretation of the electoral cycle in the U.S. has been simplified: Kamala Harris symbolizes continuity, while Donald Trump embodies chaos. However, a deeper understanding reveals that the era of the U.S. as the sole global superpower is coming to an end, regardless of the electoral outcome.
Global Caution and Pragmatism
A study of perceptions across various time zones indicates a sentiment of caution and pragmatism that spans from the G7 establishment to the emerging powers of the Global South. The world’s attention is focused on the election outcome, and while Washington no longer controls all movements, it continues to wield considerable influence.
The Economic Impact of the U.S.
The dynamic U.S. economy remains the largest in the world, and its politicians, especially Trump, are willing to use it as a weapon. This has generated widespread concern about becoming collateral damage if the next president decides to escalate a trade war with China. Many allies have prepared strategies to escalate tariffs, ready to be activated.
The Reality of a Declining Superpower
Increasingly, the U.S. is recognized as an aging superpower that must choose its confrontations more judiciously. This viewpoint applies to both Trump’s “America First” doctrine and Harris’s more moderate approach. A British diplomat noted that the Roman Empire did not collapse suddenly but rather experienced a prolonged decline.
Neglect in International Conflicts
The stakes of the elections in the U.S. are extraordinarily high for the entire world and global stability. Foreign capitals, both allied and adversarial, have been transparent in expressing their preferences for various candidates. These preferences range from public endorsements to covert interference efforts revealed by U.S. intelligence agencies. Such actions reflect the significant interest foreign powers have in the outcomes of U.S. elections and their implications.
The High Stakes of the Electoral Process
The stakes of the elections in the U.S. are extraordinarily high for the entire world and global stability. Foreign capitals, both allied and adversarial, have been transparent in expressing their preferences for various candidates. These preferences range from public endorsements to covert interference efforts revealed by U.S. intelligence agencies. Such actions reflect the significant interest foreign powers have in the outcomes of U.S. elections and their implications.
The Impact of Secret Voting on Harris’s Campaign
Secret voting’s impact on Harris: Your vote remains confidential; no one will discern how you cast your ballot. What happens…
Potential Global Consequences
The global ramifications of these developments could be monumental for international relations and security. If Trump wins and compromises with Putin, he may sacrifice Ukraine. This decision could fracture the European Union between nations seeking any hint of peace and those advocating support for Kyiv. Some European leaders have dubbed this potential scenario the “Trump shock,” highlighting its significance.
Opportunities for Historical Adversaries
Historical adversaries like Russia seek to reestablish their sphere of influence and view the U.S. as weakened. Remnants of the “axis of evil,” including Iran, also see this moment as advantageous for their interests. Additionally, contenders for global dominance like India perceive opportunities to enhance their positions on the world stage. They believe the primordial era of U.S. power has passed, opening doors for greater influence and ambitions.
Generational Differences in Strategies
Harris aligns with Biden’s policies but is part of a different generation, less rooted in Cold War Atlanticism. Some Europeans view her as a Californian, more connected to Silicon Valley and interested in the Indo-Pacific region. She has familial ties in that region, highlighting her potential connections. In contrast, some U.S. allies do not see Trump’s unpredictability solely as a disadvantage.
Divergent Approaches to Immigration
Harris has advocated for stricter limits on undocumented immigration and asylum restrictions to reduce the influx at the southern border. She promises to support a bipartisan bill combining new asylum restrictions with increased funding for processing and judicial resources. Meanwhile, Trump proposes deporting over 11 million undocumented immigrants while establishing detention facilities across the country. Additionally, he plans to deploy troops to the Mexican border to enhance security measures and enforce immigration laws.
The U.S. electoral cycle reflects shifting global dynamics, signaling superpower decline and uncertainty, according to wsj subscription deals.