Four More Years of Trump-Driven Isolationism?… Allies Watching the US Presidential Election

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Is it an extension of Trump-driven isolationism or a redefinition of a new relationship? Major countries, which have shown mixed appearances such as division and conflict, honeymoon and alliance under the Donald Trump administration that prioritized 'America First' over the past four years, are holding their breath as they watch the results of the U.S. presidential election held on the 3rd (local time). This election could be a turning point that changes the dynamics of the international community.

Major foreign media such as The Guardian and The Telegraph focused on the possibility of the U.S. presidential candidates contesting the election results and intensively reported on the final campaign situation. The French major media Le Figaro, in an editorial titled 'American Suspense,' evaluated that "except for the World Cup finals, there is no global suspense comparable to the U.S. presidential election." The Italian daily La Repubblica also reported, "The whole world is waiting for the voting results."

In particular, the so-called 'Atlantic Alliance' countries centered in Western Europe, such as France and Germany, which clashed on everything from trade policy to climate change under the Trump administration, are clearly leaning toward Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Biden, who has criticized President Trump's actions by saying "America First has made America lonely," is expected to accelerate the restoration of alliances based on multilateralism, such as rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and halting the withdrawal process from the World Health Organization immediately after taking office.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, "We have had to listen to China, Russia, and the European Union (EU) being portrayed as the greatest enemies of the United States. This must end," suggesting the establishment of a new relationship after the election. German media Die Welt reported, "Many Americans and people across the Atlantic (Europeans) see President Trump's administration as a nightmare." The New York Times (NYT) also conveyed the atmosphere, stating, "In Europe, there is widespread fear that a re-elected President Trump will act extremely as if the reins are loosened."

On the other hand, countries such as the United Kingdom and Brazil, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Jair Bolsonaro, known as the 'British Trump' and 'South American Trump,' are in power, are expected to have a stronger honeymoon relationship if President Trump is re-elected. In particular, the UK has a complicated interest that if President Trump, who actively supported Brexit, steps down, the U.S.-UK trade agreement may be sidelined. Eastern European countries also prefer President Trump over candidate Biden, considering their relations with Russia.

Israel, which has benefited from the Trump administration's pro-Israel policies, is also counted among the countries strongly wishing for President Trump's re-election. The NYT evaluated, "If Israelis had the right to vote in the U.S. presidential election, the red color (symbolizing the Republican Party) would be painted the darkest."

In Japan's case, it is expected to face burdensome challenges regardless of who wins. If President Trump is re-elected, there will be little change in U.S.-Japan relations, but pressure to increase the cost of U.S. military bases is expected to intensify.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.