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Presidential elections are always important – in every country. But some clearly are more important than others. In the U.S. when Harry Truman overcame the impossible odds and won. When John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon. When Ronald Reagan was elected. And now.
LOOKING AHEAD
People everywhere await the most important election since the end of World War II. They impatiently hold their breath until the November 3rd U.S. results start to trickle in. At the same time, they also strive to peer beyond. Their eyes are eager to see past the pandemic, social unrest, economic collapse and political chaos. They hunger for a positive change to construct a new global model.
“In the European Union, America’s image is at an all-time low, thanks to the Trump administration’s slow, incoherent, and ineffective response to the Covid-19 crisis, a major part of which comprised blaming other countries, rather than cooperating with them.”
(View from the European Council on Foreign Relations)
The current U.S. administration has also disrupted the nation’s oldest and most reliable post-war alliance. Sadly, both sides have suffered the results. To the Europeans’ credit, however, they have begun to envision the impact of a Biden victory on future U.S. – E.U. relations.
But, as Politico astutely points out, “It’ll take more than warm feelings to get the transatlantic relationship back on track.”
STRANGE PARTNERS
During the Trump presidency, we have seen U.S. – E.U. relations fragment. The U.S. government regrettably both influenced and supported Brexit, which abruptly ended European unity. It also consciously weakened the dynamics of NATO. Trump has seemed more concerned about pleasing Vladimir Putin and Russia than bonding with our traditional allies. To this end, he has begun reducing American forces in Germany the very heart of NATO.
Trump also turned a blind eye to Turkey’s purchase of Russian missiles, aircraft and other weapons for their military. In doing so, he enabled Turkey, the second anchor of NATO, to severely limit the interchangeability of key equipment and thus NATO’s ability to have members work seamlessly together.
EURO FOR BIDEN
A recent study by YouGov.uk shows an overwhelming majority of Europeans surveyed in seven countries want Joe Biden to be elected president. His strongest support comes from Denmark with 80% of those surveyed. His weakest in Italy with 58%. Trump’s respective shares are 6% in Denmark and 20% in Italy. Biden scored between 61% and 71% in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and Britain.
In the same breath, no more than 11% of those surveyed, expect the election to be completely smooth and clean. They remain skeptical of a fair result and 47% believe Trump has been running a dishonest campaign.
On both sides of the Atlantic, however, one can already detect the first traces of a cautious optimism starting to appear. But people must be ready to take on their individual share of social responsibility. It is a necessity if they intend to push a positive dream for the future of our planet.
YouGov.com
“The Democratic Party is still a party of values, and a Biden administration would pursue a full reset after four years of Trump, restoring America’s historic commitment to responsible leadership on the world stage.”
(View from the European Council on Foreign Relations)
CHANGE OF VALUES
For people and nations to succeed, they must move past their obsession with greed. Let the age of self-indulgence expire. The artificial trade war with its toxic array of tariffs and other congestive barriers needs to be dismantled. Differences must dissipate. A pragmatic path pursued.
Fruitful negotiations should lead to new solutions. Resultant treaties will become the first step to newfound economic and social stability. Global support for science and a united approach to climate and health crises must follow.
Compromise always has been an act to be applauded. Let it once again take center stage. The time has come for true innovation in diplomacy. Next step is the reestablishment of personal relationships and a welcome trust among world leaders.
RELATIONS ANEW
“Across a clutch of six areas – international relations, climate change, corona virus, economics, terrorism and peace – in every country, on every measure, people across the seven European markets surveyed tend to think that the Democratic challenger would do a better job than President Trump.” (YouGov.UK)
Several of our international team of correspondents now will consider how international relations and specific European countries can expect to change and what overall we can expect in the event of a Biden presidency.
About the Article
A look at European preferences for E.U. – U.S. post-election relations .
