US election 2024: the world holds its breath as America votes
Nov 5, 2024
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Natasha Linstead, a political expert from the University of Essex, offers keen insights on the U.S. election's impact on global politics. Heather Conley delves into how the outcome could reshape U.S. relations worldwide, particularly with Europe and Eurasia. James Chambers discusses the Asia-Pacific's security concerns, while Terry Stiasny critiques media portrayals of the election. David Phelan wraps up with a look at how Silicon Valley's innovations intertwine with political dynamics, highlighting the tech industry's response to the election fervor.
The 2024 US elections are overshadowed by heightened tensions and fears of political violence, particularly surrounding the narratives of candidates Trump and Harris.
Distinctively aggressive campaign rhetoric by Trump contrasts Harris's positive messaging, highlighting a significant shift in American political communication standards.
Global observers are keenly watching the election outcomes due to their potential impact on U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
Deep dives
High Stakes of the 2024 Election
The 2024 US presidential election is marked by unprecedented tension and polarization, primarily due to the historical context surrounding candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Trump’s conviction of felony crimes adds weight to the election’s ramifications, while Harris's potential victory could signify a significant shift in representation. Reports indicate that a large number of voters have already cast their ballots, highlighting the high turnout predicted for this election. The atmosphere in Washington, D.C. is charged, with city preparations reflecting the fear of possible unrest regardless of the election outcome.
Rising Concerns About Political Violence
The specter of political violence looms large over the election, with experts expressing concerns about possible unrest should Harris emerge victorious. This sentiment recalls the historical context of previous elections in emerging democracies where violence during ballots was more common. The divisions within American society have generated heated fears of violent backlash from Trump's supporters if Harris wins, underscoring the polarization of the electorate. The current climate represents a dangerous peak in the long-standing erosion of norms surrounding peaceful transitions of power in the United States.
Rhetoric and Political Discourse
The episode highlights the stark contrast in political rhetoric between the candidates, with Trump's aggressive language raising suspicions about his unsanctioned claims regarding election legitimacy. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has focused on positivity in her recent campaign messaging, reflecting her campaign's confidence and a different approach to engagement. The ongoing discourse suggests that the historical adage of maintaining a high standard of political behavior is increasingly challenging in today's environment. This evolution of rhetoric has significant implications for American political dynamics and societal interactions.
Global Perspectives on the Election
Countries worldwide, particularly allies and adversaries of the U.S., are closely observing the electoral outcomes due to their implications for foreign policy and international relations. The election poses essential questions about the future of U.S. international standing and its strategic posture toward global challenges, notably China and Ukraine. Observers speculate that a Harris administration could continue a more inclusive foreign policy, while a Trump second term might revert to transactional approaches. These dynamics reflect a global audience's vested interest in U.S. political development, particularly in Asia and Europe.
The Intricacies of Political Advertising
The 2024 election has seen an overwhelming surge in political advertising, capturing the peculiarity of the American electoral landscape. The intensity and style of campaign ads are distinct to the U.S., often characterized by exaggerated portrayals and hostile narratives between candidates. With billions spent on advertisements, there are questions about their actual effectiveness in swaying voters and influencing election outcomes. This pervasive culture of political campaigning raises concerns about its contribution to the increasingly toxic political environment in the United States.
As a historic US election day unfolds, Monocle’s Christopher Lord reports from a tense Washington, Georgina Godwin explores political branding in the American South and Andrew Mueller reviews bizarre election ads. Plus: Asia-Pacific security stakes and a Brazilian take on newspaper political endorsements.