The U.S. Presidential elections occur every four years and tend to occupy the spotlight worldwide. The U.S. president’s influence over global economic policies and international diplomacy causes a lot of media attention in other countries. How are these elections viewed by the citizens of Europe and the rest of the world? Or how are figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris seen by non-Americans?
To many Europeans, the U.S. elections symbolize a decisive point for major global matters – environmental fights, trade pacts or military coalitions such as NATO. Le Monde, a French publication, acknowledged the commanding role the U.S. plays in global climate endeavors: “The U.S. is crucial for any genuine attempt to counter climate change, and its election results hold the power to determine the course of policies regarding that. ” Given the frequent collaboration on economic and security fronts between the European Union and the United States, election outcomes could either fortify or fray these relationships.
The view on individual candidates varies around the globe according to the political orientation of each country. Donald Trump, a former president, is recognized worldwide for his untraditional diplomatic and governing techniques. His time as President was marked by his “America First” ideology, gaining both praise and condemnation globally. In the United Kingdom, The Guardian commented that Trump’s time in The White House was marked by a “protectionist and isolationist” attitude that left European allies uncertain about future transatlantic ties.
On a different note, Vice President Kamala Harris, acclaimed for her progressive domestic tactics and focus on social justice, presents an alternative perspective. Currently occupying the seat of Vice President and possibly stepping up her role inside the White House in the future, she gives an impression of careful optimism among international circles. A movement towards more inclusive and internationally cooperative leadership is expected from Harris’s potential advancement in American politics, as voiced by European news platforms like Germany’s Der Spiegel. Being the first woman and person of color occupying the Vice Presidency has earned her a lot of support from global leadership diversity idealists. Moreover, considering Italy’s newest prime minister: Giorgia Meloni who also happens to be the first ever woman to cover that role, people are starting to see a resemblance between these two characters despite their very different political views. Europe also hopes for a more “globalist” U.S. foreign policy under her leadership, where emphasis is laid on reviving international agreements and pursuing climate action, as reported by the Financial Times.
U.S. elections also carry immense importance for global economic equilibrium. The deep connection between European and U.S. economies means policies that create tariffs or cause disruption to trade agreements aren’t often well regarded. The uncertainty created within the European Union due to Trump’s contentious dealings with China and threats of placing tariffs on European goods echoes this sentiment. Many people, however, think that Harris’s potential presidency may pave the way for more predictable and less aggressive trade policies, possibly steadying transatlantic economic relations.
Observers across the globe have always had trouble understanding the U.S. electoral process. The use of an Electoral College, the importance of swing states, and lengthy campaigns may seem strange to many outside the United States. In most European nations, a simple majority vote determines election outcomes, and anything else is kind of unheard of.
The British newspaper, The Independent, noted a lot of Europeans find the U. S. voting system “complicated and unnecessarily intricate. ” They find it particularly baffling when the candidate with the most votes nationwide does not win in the Electoral College. This was well-displayed in 2016, Donald Trump secured the presidency even though he did not win the majority vote. This led people all around the world to question the integrity of our system.
People all over the world are hoping for U.S. leadership that values global interests as much as it does domestic ones. They want leaders who believe in international cooperation, and who ensure stability and progress that is sustainable. As we near another election, eyes around the world will be on us, their hopes pinned on decisions that will eventually impact far more than just us.
