The political elephant in the room is swiftly approaching, inundating our newsfeeds, podcasts and even our TikTok. The US 2024 general election and all its coverage will soon be nearing a close, and with it a potential incoming Donald Trump as leader of the free world. The US and its president undoubtedly carry significant global influence and have consequences for the rest of the world, but how so?
Both candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stand for opposing attitudes to global matters, institutions and organisations, meaning things like military funding, international aid and defence spending will all be up for change. Additionally, formally known as the “special relationship” any leader of America will also work closely with the UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer. Both the US and UK internationally back each other, supporting each other with resources, finances, and collaboration.
Trump and Starmer would likely clash, disagreeing with international decisions made, thereby affecting their ability to cohesively work together and lead on key global operations. A looming point of concern is the Russo-Ukrainian war, with Trump maintaining a staunch America-first policy, he could decrease military intervention, funding, and resources towards Ukraine’s defence, leaving scope for a Russian victory and expanse into Eastern Europe. Additionally, Europe relies on a lot of US spending and resources for NATO’s operations and functioning, and with a Trump presidency that is increasingly dismissive of European issues, EU leaders and officials are concerned about the financial health of such institutions and its capacity for future global change.
We are also facing a current trend of far-right political gains in electoral competitions, seen with the right winning throughout Europe, such as in Italy, Hungary and the gains in the European parliament. A likewise shift to far-right policies and ideologies in America could only further this trend and mark a profound change in conducting and implementing politics. Another point of disparity amongst the candidates that shape the global stage are their contrasting views on the Israel–Gaza conflict.
With much of the international population watching the mass violence taking place, an incoming Trump—who would only exacerbate and further fund Israel’s campaign—looms large. Harris, on the other hand, has condemned the inordinate amount of violence in Gaza, calling for aid and humanitarian treatment. However, the extent to which she will rein in US military support remains unclear due to America’s extremely strong ties with Israel.
The US election matters hugely on a global scale, and in this context to the UK. Whoever the new president will be must work closely together with our government, amongst international organisations such as NATO with the capacity to shift the international stage, affecting human rights and justice. It’s for these reasons the US matters and its new leader has real power to set a precedent and direction for liberal democracies around the world through how they govern, conduct legislation and set the outlook for international relations globally.