S2E4: Concern over potential post-election instability in the US

Oct 24, 2024

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Unless one candidate wins swing states decisively, a quick settlement is unlikely in America’s cliffhanger election.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

The United States’ presidential election, which polls show is currently in a statistical tie, is unlikely to be settled quickly unless one candidate decisively wins enough swing states - which remains a possibility.

Short of that however, both parties have armies of lawyers ready to file challenges to the result - with resolution potentially taking a long time, and concerns over instability in the interim.

While a Kamala Harris presidency would bring a degree of continuity to foreign policy - and possibly some push back against Israel’s conduct - a Donald Trump presidency would have echoes of his first term, in which he bristled against the traditional post World War II international order, bringing up issues even with American allies such as NATO. A second term would bring more transactionalism and disruption even as some countries would like to see him back in power. He has also claimed that he will end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours.

From the eye of the gathering storm in an increasingly severely polarised America, senior journalist, author and veteran foreign correspondent Steven Herman, Chief National Correspondent of Voice of America, shares his views with Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:17 The implications from the elections on foreign policies

5:05 Global perceptions of America and how some are eager to see Donald Trump return

6:33 Potential for political instability and the possibility of a long unresolved election

11:16 The public sentiment and political polarization of the elections

15:03 How Trump and Harris are looking at reaching out to younger audience through podcasts

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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