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US presidential election 2024 and leeway of restoration of world peace 

Published : Tuesday, 5 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 583
MIR MOSHARREF HOSSAIN PAKBIR
The 2024 US Presidential Election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent history. This Election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has the potential to significantly impact global peace and stability, with each candidate proposing contrasting strategies for handling international conflicts, alliances, and global challenges. The approaches each candidate might bring if elected-whether Harris's emphasis on diplomacy and multilateral alliances or Trump's 'America First' and often unilateral style-could shape how the United States contributes to, or withdraws from, efforts to restore and sustain peace worldwide. Hence, today, November 5 holds an auspicious occasion to shape up the future of the world with electing new US President for office.

As the US is considered to be the flag-bearer of the democratic world and upholds its position as a global leader, the outcome of the US Presidential Election 2024 will have a across-the-board impact throughout the world and Bangladesh will also have critical interests in the outcome. This year's US election is unique from different aspects and has seen many ups and downs from the very beginning. Both the Presidential candidates have attacked their opponents so brutally during their electoral campaigns that considering the topnotch US civilization, it seemed a little odd as the world does not expect such rude behaviors from the leaders of the US. But, keeping that aside, as a global citizen, our concern lies with how the outcome of this election will impact the possibility of restoration of global peace as many countries of the world are currently engaged in brutal wars and conflicts.

Kamala Harris has centered her campaign on themes of unity, progress, and inclusivity. She has promised to represent all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations, and has emphasized the importance of moving past division and embracing a forward-looking vision for the country. Harris has also pledged to continue the Biden administration's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Harris has emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with allies and strengthening America's global leadership. Her approach to foreign policy includes a commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism, which could enhance international cooperation and conflict resolution. 

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has demonstrated support for a multilateral approach to international conflicts. Harris has emphasized strengthening alliances, particularly through NATO, and fostering cooperative relationships with democratic allies to address shared threats. Her support for NATO, consistent aid to Ukraine, and commitment to maintaining sanctions on Russia reflects her dedication to US involvement in global security efforts.

Kamala Harris's approach to achieving peace in the Middle East centers on a commitment to diplomacy and multifaceted cooperation, aligning with her broader foreign policy views on fostering stability through alliances and constructive engagement. On the campaign trail, she has supported a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, echoing the Biden administration's stance and advocating for the protection of Palestinian rights. Harris has condemned acts of violence against civilians and has called for the humanitarian needs of Palestinians to be addressed alongside security considerations for Israel, aiming for a balanced and diplomatic approach. 

Nevertheless, the global citizens along with a major part of the US voters will consider the fact that Kamala Harris has been an influencing part of the Biden administration, which has blindly supported Israel, which conducted genocide in Gaza and escalating conflict on Lebanon and even Iran. It cannot be forgotten that, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intent to change the landscape of Middle East at the very beginning of his genocidal campaign in Gaza and the Biden administration had supported his vision to a great extent violating the concept of global peace.

Donald Trump's campaign for a second term has focused on a return to his 'America First' policies, with promises to reverse many of the Biden administration's initiatives. Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history and to finish building the border wall. Though controversial, many immigrant citizens are supporting this initiative of Trump as they believe that higher number of illegal migrants will significantly create load on the job markets and will eventually cause severe economic failure at some point.

Trump's past term in office saw him attempt to redefine US commitments to international institutions and alliances, particularly NATO, which he criticized as outdated and overly reliant on US funding. Trump's approach to global peace appears to rest on renegotiating or reducing the US's commitments to international agreements and prioritizing direct negotiations with key adversaries. Trump has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours and to rebuild America's military strength. His approach to foreign policy is characterized by unilateralism and a focus on military solutions. 

If elected, Donald Trump would likely approach peace efforts in the Middle East through direct negotiations, leveraging his previous experience with the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Trump has frequently emphasized his commitment to 'America First' policies, which could lead him to prioritize strategic alliances over humanitarian interventions. While Trump has not explicitly outlined steps to de-escalate Israeli-Palestinian violence in his 2024 campaign, he has previously advocated for rapid, deal-based resolutions rather than prolonged peace negotiations. His stance on Iran remains adversarial, advocating for maximum pressure tactics rather than diplomatic engagement, which could exacerbate regional tensions if not balanced with peace efforts. 

Though the expressions of Donald Trump seem to be aggressive and contradictory to the idea of global peace, the global citizens and US voters will consider the fact that, the former Trump administration did not start any new war and actually successfully maintained status quo at different parts of the world. But the democratic administrations in the past two decades can be blamed for starting new wars and escalating conflicts while promoting weapons trade in the form of aid to the conflicting parties they supported.

On global issues such as climate change-which many experts consider a significant factor in long-term peace due to its potential to drive resource conflicts-Harris and Trump also diverge greatly. Harris supports robust international climate agreements, aligning with efforts like the Paris Agreement to mitigate environmental stressors that contribute to global instability. Trump, however, has consistently downplayed the role of human-caused climate change and has advocated for increased fossil fuel production domestically.

The conflicts going around the world are causing severe environmental damages due to heavy usage of arms and weapons. Due to taking sides on different occasions, the world seems to be divided in recognizing the role of the US behind these conflicts as many accuses them to rely on war economy. If the new US President can come out of their reliance on war economy, the world will see fewer conflicts leading towards better environmental situation, stronger global peace and also favorable sentiments of the global citizens towards the US as well as its new administration.

During the 2024 presidential election campaign, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have both addressed issues related to Bangladesh directly or indirectly, albeit with different focuses. Donald Trump has condemned the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, criticizing the Biden-Harris administration for allegedly ignoring their plight. Trump's statements have been aimed at garnering support from Hindu-Americans, especially during Diwali celebrations. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has not made specific statements about Bangladesh during her campaign. Her focus has been more on broader themes of unity, social justice, and strengthening international partnerships, including with India.

The United States has been a crucial development partner for Bangladesh since its inception. During the 1971 liberation war, the American citizens in general supported the uprising of Bangladesh as a nation. Now as Bangladesh has been going through a critical reform after the previous government was toppled by the students and general people and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, it will be critical for Bangladesh to have the US on its side as an unconditional development partner. If the new US administration - be it of Donald Trump's or Kamala Harris's - supports Bangladesh's journey as an unconditional development partner while promoting human rights, freedom of expression, secularism, rule of law and other democratic practices, then Bangladesh will definitely continue its progress.

The outcome of the 2024 election will have substantial implications for the US's role in global peace efforts. Both the candidate's approach carries distinct risks and benefits, but both candidates are poised to leave a significant impact on the future of international peace and security. The choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump represents two distinct visions for America's role in the world. As voters head to the polls, the world waits to see which vision will prevail and how it will impact the global quest for peace and stability in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, as a global citizen, we hope the next US President will be a great patron and progressor of global peace and humanity.

The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla



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