Article
US Elections 2024: Polarisation, Key Issues and Impact on the World

By : K. P. Vijayalakshmi

Page No: 213-236

Abstract
The 2024 US Presidential Election is a pivotal political event that will shape the country's future direction. The election of the Republican candidate Donald Trump could have wide implications for both US domestic politics and foreign policy, especially its alliances. The deep politico-ideological rift between the Democrats and the Republicans, the “Reagan Republicans” and the traditional conservatives, and between the leftwing ‘progressives’ and mainstream Democrats has polarised the country with voters divided over political, economic, social, cultural and foreign policy issues. The exit of President Biden from the election and the swift consolidation of the Democrats behind the new nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, revitalised the campaign against former President Trump and sharpened the deep-rooted differences between the two on most issues, including foreign policy. While Harris seemed inclined to continue the major policies of the Biden Administration, both domestic and foreign, Trump emphasised higher protectionism to ‘Make America Great Again’, ending illegal immigration, ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, strong support for Israel, and robustly dealing with the China threat. It is expected that the bipartisan focus on strengthening US-India relations will continue. Trump’s victory is likely to reshape US engagement with its allies and adversaries alike.

Author
K. P. Vijayalakshmi : K. P. Vijayalakshmi is Professor and Head, Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Karnataka.
 

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32381/NS.2024.07.03.2