Elections hold the reigns to the lives of 60% of the world population this year. From the world’s largest democracy to the world’s largest economy, this year marks the groundbreaking changes in the life graphs of people across the globe. From the economic, political, and diplomatic standpoint, this year’s eyes are on the election results to decide global policies and trade relations. The outcome of the elections in India and the US will have ripple effects across the globe, shaping the structure of the global sharks and common folks.
Impacts of elections in India and the US
Financial implications
The financial implications of the elections are manifold, spreading its roots to the other countries holding the election. For instance, the Taiwan election was over recently, and the major political giants competing against each other were DPP and KMT. Holding a key role in the rift between China and the US, the election results in Taiwan have a significant impact on the global market. The results of the US elections, in turn, will overplay the Taiwan election results, destabilizing the economy. Considering that the presidential candidates are archrivals with polarizing ideologies, the changes in economic policies and trade relations would be unpredictable. Likewise, the results of the Indian election will impact the flow of investments and the policies that shape the economy. While the US is trying to dodge a recession that arose due to the steep interest rates, the climate of the US post elections will affect consumer behaviour and hence hold the reign of stock markets across the globe. The results will impact the US-China relations, with India as the third leg, the commercial atmosphere of these three nations, and other countries, including Taiwan. Fuel inflation, variations in currency value – the possible implications are beyond imagination.
The geopolitics
The significance of geopolitical relations is relevant, especially with countries like India and the US, which are influential and important in various strategic decisions.
As has been observed by the onlookers of the political landscape, the strategic position of India has been held intact by Narendra Modi with the relentless support of Amit Shah and the like. However, if there is a leadership change, this will invariably change the political and strategic relations and simultaneously change defense and economic decisions.
The US is key in resolving conflict between nations and international relations with other nations, especially third-world countries. Hence leadership of the US plays a pivotal role in international peace, politics, and the economy.
The election results in India and the US influence the political decisions of countries like China and Russia. One of the pivotal reasons the world looks at the election results is because the results will significantly impact US foreign policy and multilateral decisions.
The regulations regarding the use of technology, Intellectual property rights, cyber security, and data privacy will have far-reaching consequences on the global market.
The world is uncertain about the possible stance if Trump is elected. While some countries welcome his election as they would benefit, many countries look upon the power of an unorthodox president with an uncertain dilemma. Trump has promised to end the Russia- Ukraine war. Does this mean that if he comes to power, the US would provide freehand and uninterrupted support to Russia to push Ukraine to the wall, or does he hold a feasible and sensible solution? The observers are keen to know.
The implications of elections in India and the US are yet to be seen. The US commitment to NATO, the Paris Climate Change Accord, and the stand on the Iran nuclear deal will have a major impact on the global level. On the other hand, Israelis would be looking forward to another term of Trump to gain more acceptance.
Social unrest
Both India and the US have seen the most polarizing political allegiance. However, while the possibility of social unrest in India seems a distant fear, the US elections pose a serious and reasonable solid risk of social unrest. Recollecting the scenario when Joe Biden became the resident, it is not an exaggeration to think that if history repeats itself, the world will go upside down politically and economically after the elections. The leadership’s identity politics and divisive strategies could lead to clashes between opposing factions. Media literacy and spreading awareness amongst the masses to prevent misinformation and information sabotage are the needs of the hour.
The continuation of the leadership in India and the change in leadership in the US would have explosive effects on the global landscape because both will be powered by the rhetoric of the leaders with extreme ideologies.
Impact on the environment
As childish as it seems, the commitment towards renewable energy and policies ensures that the commitment to climate and the environment is maintained. India and the US are two powers that contribute majorly towards greenhouse gas emissions holding the second and third position simultaneously after China. To ensure a sustainable future, the government’s commitment to the environment will majorly impact the health of the citizens and the world.
The US and India are two politically polarized nations. Hence the future of the elections would be extreme, depending on who has the last laugh. The same could impact geopolitical relations as the opposition has an extremely opposite stand in both countries. On one hand, both countries are looking for a strong-headed, ruthless, yet acceptable leader by the masses. On the other hand, both countries have sorted, yet comparatively soft leaders who might go for a smooth stand in formulating policies to taking military decisions. The impact of the elections on other nations like China, Russia, Taiwan, Israel, etc., would also be different in both cases. Hence, the elections are keenly anticipated by the whole world. Whatever the results, the world’s political landscape will change with the election results of the world’s largest democracy and economy.
