The upcoming United States presidential election, scheduled for November 5, 2024, is poised to have significant implications not just for America, but for its allies across the Atlantic, particularly the United Kingdom. As one of America’s closest allies, the UK’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests are intimately tied to the outcomes of US politics.
Potential Impacts on UK-US Relations
Trade Negotiations: The outcome of the election could significantly influence ongoing and future trade negotiations between the UK and the US. Different administrations may have varying priorities and approaches to international trade.
Foreign Policy Alignment: The UK and US have long shared a “special relationship” in terms of foreign policy. A change in US leadership could affect the degree of alignment on global issues such as climate change, relations with China, and approach to international organizations.
Defense and Security Cooperation: The US is a key NATO ally of the UK. The election outcome may influence the nature and extent of defense cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint military operations.
Economic Ties: The US is one of the UK’s largest trading partners. Changes in US economic policies, including taxes, regulations, and trade agreements, could have ripple effects on the UK economy.
Diplomatic Dynamics: Personal relationships between leaders can influence diplomatic ties. A new US president may bring a different approach to UK-US relations at the highest levels.
Key Areas to Watch
- NATO Commitments: The US stance on NATO and its financial commitments to the alliance could affect UK defense planning.
- Climate Policy: Differences in climate change approaches could impact joint initiatives and global climate negotiations.
- Approach to Russia and China: The US strategy towards these global powers will influence UK foreign policy decisions.
- Tech Regulation: US policies on big tech companies and data privacy could have implications for UK businesses and regulations.
As the election approaches, UK policymakers, businesses, and citizens will be closely watching the campaigns and debates, aware that the outcome will shape the future of UK-US relations and, by extension, the UK’s role on the global stage.
Candidates’ Agendas: Trump and Harris
Donald Trump’s Agenda
- Immigration: Advocating for stricter border control and immigration policies.
- Economy: Promoting tax cuts, deregulation, and “America First” trade policies.
- Foreign Policy: Emphasising bilateral deals over multilateral agreements and skepticism towards international organizations.
- Energy: Supporting increased domestic fossil fuel production and skepticism of climate change policies.
- Healthcare: Opposing the Affordable Care Act and proposing market-based alternatives.
- Judiciary: Appointing conservative judges to federal courts.
Kamala Harris’s Agenda
- Healthcare: Supporting expansion of Medicare and improving the Affordable Care Act.
- Economy: Advocating for increased minimum wage and workers’ rights.
- Climate Change: Promoting green energy initiatives and rejoining international climate agreements.
- Education: Supporting debt-free college and increased funding for public schools.
- Criminal Justice: Backing police reform and addressing racial disparities in the justice system.
- Immigration: Favoring a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and protection for DACA recipients (DACA recipients are undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children who are temporarily protected from deportation and allowed to work legally under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program).
By Ash Jatla (Junior Paraplanner)
ash@goddardfry.co.uk