2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Candidates and Their Impact on Global Geopolitics

 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Candidates and Their Impact on Global Geopolitics

As the U.S. Presidential Election in 2024 draws closer, political energies are once again at a fever pitch as a new and varied field of candidates competes for the highest office. The outcome of this election will not only shape America's future but will also have far-reaching effects on the geopolitical stage. 

Here's a breakdown of the major candidates, their key policies, and the potential global impact of their leadership:

Key Candidates for the 2024 Election

1. Joe Biden (Democratic Party):

Background:

                                                Incumbent President Joe Biden seeks re-election.Within his term, his administration has utilised its time to not only recover the U.S. economy post-pandemic but also to push progressive agendas in addressing climate change, advancing healthcare, and social justice issues and an America revitalised role on the world stage.

Foreign Policy Focus:

Russia-Ukraine:

                       The Biden administration has kept strong verbal statements of Russian attack against Ukraine through the uninterrupted provision of military and economic assistance to Ukraine to unite the NATO allies. On re-election, Biden would likely continue to put pressure on Russia and keep U.S.-Russia relations even tighter .

China:

                        Biden has followed a competitive yet careful policy towards China, focusing on economic competition but cooperating with them for challenges such as climate change. The profile of his administration's emphasis on Indo-Pacific alliances, like AUKUS with both the UK and Australia, might represent a pivot to contain the growing influence of China​.

Climate Change:

                        Biden has portrayed himself as a climate change leader and is strong on climate, compatible with international agreements such as the Paris Accord that strengthens global actions to mitigate environmental problems.

2.Donald Trump (Republican Party):

Background: 

                        President Donald Trump is running for re-election, seeking a second term based on the "America First" doctrine he introduced into American politics, which emphasises nationalism and doubt about international agreements and alliances.

Foreign Policy Focus:

Russia and Ukraine(Umbrella of vagueness):

                           Trump's previous tenure has been lambasted for his ambiguity about what he stands on Russia. Instead of military strikes, he was more lenient to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. If he returns to power this most probably means Ukraine would see waning support and the balance of power in Eastern Europe​.

NATO and Alliances: 

                            Under Trump, NATO has been a problem since he constantly compelled European allies to increase defence spending. In his second term, he would be more isolationist, hence weakening the transatlantic alliance​.

China: 

                            The Trump administration has been punitive in a trade war with China, imposing taxes on Chinese goods and engaging in intellectual property differences. A second Trump presidency would continue to tend to this hostile relationship ​(the Hill​), intensifying tensions in global markets.

3. Ron DeSantis (Republican Party):

Background: 

                        Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is a rising star in the Republican Party. He is known for his classical conservative view on social issues and minimalist action by the government.

Foreign Policy Focus:

China: 

                        DeSantis has much to say against the rapid rise of China as a global power. He supports the decoupling of U.S. supply chains from China, especially in high-and rising-tech industries like technology and medicine​.

Immigration and Border Security: 

                        DeSantis leads the effort pushing for border security south of the United States focusing on policies curtailing illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. Such a policy posturing would have implications for U.S.-Mexico and Latin American relations.

Middle East: 

                           On foreign policy DeSantis never elaborated on a fully fleshed-out posture, but in support, does believe in a solid U.S. presence in the Middle East, especially if it means defending Israel.

4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent):

Background:

                        A well-known environmentalist who harbors much animosity toward several government mandates, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sure to appeal to voters of both parties.

International Relations Focus:

Environmental Advocacy: 

                             Having been an environmentalist for decades, it would be expected that a Kennedy would advance global action against global warming. And his policies would likely concentrate on international cooperation to deal with the environmental crisis.

Health Care: 

                            Kennedys foreign policy can also consider a review of global health governance, considering the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. His health-care reform policy might create an intensified global partnership to fight future pandemics​.

The Global Geopolitical Impacts

Russia Ukraine Conflict:

                             2024 will also determine the endgame of the Russia-Ukraine war. A second term for Biden is likely to sustain further U.S. support to Ukraine, putting even more pressure on Russia and strengthening NATO's presence on Russia's eastern flank. A win for Trump or DeSantis will likely result in less U.S. engagement, weakening Ukraine's resistance and strengthening Russia's hand.

China and the Indo-Pacific:

                             One of the most visible features that are altering the U.S. approach to foreign policy is the rise of China. More than a different tack of Biden's, building coalitions in the Indo-Pacific is a different tack from Trump's unilaterally unilateral approach. A hardline approach against China, especially on trade and technology issues, would further exacerbate tension-escalating tensions by both Trump and DeSantis. This will further entrench U.S.-China rivalry with far-reaching implications on economies and security in the entire world.

Climate Change and Environmental Policy:

                            It will also determine the global direction efforts to fight climate change take. Biden proves commitment to international climate agreements as part of global efforts towards sustainability, and while Trump's history of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and talking down environmental regulations was a draw that makes more international progress slow up on his initiatives.

Global Trade and Alliances:

                        A future president would have the opportunity to create a new course in US foreign trade policy, especially in cooperation with allies in Europe and Asia. A multilateral approach, on which Biden relies, stands in contrast to protectionist policies favored by Trump and DeSantis, potentially straining global trade relationships. The role the United States would continue to play globally in organisations like NATO, the UN, and the World Trade Organisation would likely be of great interest during the election period​

Conclusion

                        This presidential election will have far-reaching implications for all matters domestic and international. Will the next president be multilateral, isolationist, or interventionist? This would frame global geopolitics for years to come. As voters head to the polls, people around the world will observe the how it all plays out against the backdrop of increasingly complex internationalism.