For months, the topic of conversation on most news channels and online articles has been focused around the readily upcoming presidential election in the United States. This will determine who will become the 47th president of America, with two figures leading the race – Democrat candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The country is divided, the outcome cannot be pre-ordained, yet it is so pivotal. But how much bearing does this election in a country over 4,000 miles away have on Britain?
The stakes are incredibly high. Our relationship with the US could hang in the balance, with effects to the future of our international relations, trade, and shared democratic values. Due to the severely contradictory beliefs of both Trump and Harris respectively, we could see huge changes in our approach to defence, amongst a myriad of other different alterations.
Another significant ongoing event that has re-shaped many other countries as a repercussion is the Ukrainian war with Russia. Regardless of which side prevails, the UK will be impacted. Our country may be forced to change the way we deal with our approach to conflict. For example, our involvement in assisting the war in Ukraine and conflict Afghanistan. Furthermore, our stance with NATO may also be affected.
If Trump was to yield success in the election, his views of animosity regarding not helping Ukraine or the Middle East in any suffering they may face as a result in conflict would put Britain in a compromised position, for we have historically been a close ally of the United States. Trump also wishes to no longer be a part of NATO, an incredibly powerful and world-renowned political and military alliance. This would also require Europe to become more defensively autonomous. As a result, pushing the UK closer together with the EU, and further away from the US. Therefore, disintegrating our formerly strong and stable relationship with America.
On the contrary, if Harris was to become the next president, she wishes for the UK and US to have almost identical stances regarding foreign policy matters, wanting to work together more than separate our opposing views. In recent years, the UK and US have both been in close agreement on matters of conflict in Gaza and the Ukrainian war, something she wishes to perpetuate.
So, regardless of the election’s outcome, it is inexorable that the United Kingdom shall endure changes to multiple areas of our decisions and stances on the world stage. However, there will be more significant impacts dependent on who that outcome may fall to. Trump may break our ties; Harris might make them stronger.
The election takes place on Tuesday 5th November 2024 – but who will come out on top?
Fast forward to two weeks later, the result has been enforced. A unanimous win for Donald Trump and his Republican beliefs. A wave of sorrow has overcome many young girls and women who longed for freedom and rights, yet now live in fear for the decisions their newly-elected president may make which eradicates their freedoms, instead imposing their restrictions.
Gabriella Harper
Picture credit:From Washington to Westminster: What the US Election ...
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