After the president of the United States, Joe Bidenwill reach Kyiv in February 2023 during a surprise visit to demonstrate solidarity with Volodymyr Zelenskys its Ukrainian counterpart, the air raid sirens began to sound.
Biden recalled that at that time he could feel “something… stronger than ever,” explaining that “the United States is a beacon to the world.”
Currently, the whole world is waiting for who will become the new ruler of the American Union, if it will be Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, a decision that will be made by American citizens in the presidential elections of the November 5.
And Washington’s defense cost is equal to two thirds of the military budgets of the other 31 members of NATO, so outside of it, USA spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined, including China and Russia.
However, the team of the vice president of the United States will have to govern with the Senate and the House of Representatives, which could soon be in the hands of the republicansand they will be less tempted to support foreign wars than their counterparts.
There is a lurking idea that no matter who becomes America’s leader, it will still increase the pressure on Kyiv to find ways out of this war, as American policymakers become more visible. increasingly reluctant to approve large aid packages.
Furthermore, the next president of the United States will have to work in a world where there is a greater risk of a confrontation between great powers, from the Cold war.
Comfort Ero, the president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, explains that “the United States remains the most important international actor in peace and security,” warning that the power that this important country has “to help resolve conflicts has been reduced” considerably.
If Trump wins, “he could give Israel an even freer hand in Gaza and elsewhere, and he has hinted that he could try to reach a deal on Ukraine with Moscow over Kyiv,” but if Harris wins, the candidate has She assured that she is proud to support Ukraine, something that worries Ero, because she is afraid that no matter who wins, everything will get worse in the world.
On the other hand, Mary Robinson, former president of The Elders, a group of global leaders that was founded by Nelson Mandela, stated that “the American elections have enormous consequences not only for its citizens, but for the entire world due to the pressing imperative of the climate crisis.”
Robinson, who was also President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, explained that “every fraction of a degree matters to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and prevent a future in which devastating hurricanes like Milton are the norm.” ”.
It must be remembered that a couple of weeks ago, while the devastating hurricanes Milton and Helene hit the American soil, leaving strong havoc, Donald Trump dedicated himself to ridiculing environmental plans and policies to confront a climate emergency. In fact, many think that the 78-year-old tycoon will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement made in 2015, as he did during his first term.
The expert asked Kamala Harris, who has not yet established her own position, to take a step forward in order to prove leadership, taking advantage of the momentum of recent years,” as well as “encourage other large emitters to accelerate the pace.” .
Time.news Interview: The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changing Global Landscape
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s edition of Time.news. I’m your host, and we’ve got a very special guest with us: Comfort Ero, the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group. Thank you for joining us, Comfort.
Comfort Ero: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You’ve noted that the United States plays a crucial role internationally, especially in matters of peace and security. Following President Biden’s surprising visit to Kyiv in February 2023, how do you assess the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing tensions?
Comfort Ero: Biden’s visit was a powerful symbol of support for Ukraine, especially at a time when the country needed it most. It sent a clear message that the U.S. stands firm against aggression. However, the geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly, and while the U.S. has historically been a beacon of hope, there are growing concerns about its capacity to manage these escalating conflicts effectively.
Editor: Interesting. With the upcoming presidential elections in November 2024, featuring candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, how do you foresee American foreign policy evolving, particularly regarding Ukraine?
Comfort Ero: Regardless of who wins, I believe there will be increasing pressure to find a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. American voters are becoming more skeptical about large military aid packages. If Trump were to win, for instance, his administration could take a different approach, possibly focusing more on Israel and less on European conflicts. Conversely, if Harris remains in office, she might continue Biden’s policies but will have to navigate a potentially hostile Congress.
Editor: Speaking of Congress, the dynamics could indeed shift with the possibility of a Republican-controlled Senate and House. What implications do you see for future international aid under such circumstances?
Comfort Ero: A Republican majority may lead to more reluctance in supporting foreign military engagements, particularly in places like Ukraine. They could favor a more isolationist policy that prioritizes domestic issues over international commitments, which could limit the U.S. role in global peacekeeping.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. You also mentioned the risk of great power confrontations reminiscent of the Cold War. How does this danger affect U.S. policymakers’ strategies?
Comfort Ero: The landscape is increasingly fraught. The U.S. must navigate a delicate balance, considering not only its responsibilities in Europe but also implications in Asia—particularly with China rising as a formidable power. The challenge lies in diplomatic engagement while maintaining robust defense strategies. The realities of great power competition could complicate how the U.S. invests in alliances and responds to global crises.
Editor: Lastly, as we reflect on the global power dynamics, what do you think the U.S. needs to do to reestablish its influence and credibility on the international stage?
Comfort Ero: The U.S. needs to embrace multilateral diplomacy and work with allies to address pressing global issues. It must also be transparent about its commitments and ensure that its actions align with its words. Rebuilding trust with international partners is vital, especially as the country navigates internal political shifts that can influence its foreign policy direction.
Editor: Thank you, Comfort, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the next presidential term holds vast implications not only for the U.S. but for global stability as a whole. We appreciate your contribution to this ongoing discussion.
Comfort Ero: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how these events unfold in the upcoming months.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay engaged with Time.news as we continue to cover pivotal international developments in real-time.