USA after the 2024 Elections – panel discussion with dr. Bogomil Ferfila and Edvard Žitnik
13 November 2024
Video in Slovenian: https://youtu.be/4S59cmlEz4g
Introduction and moderation: Amb Marjan Šetinc
Every four years, SDMO (Slovenian Association for International Relations) dedicates special attention to the U.S. presidential elections, discussing what will remain the same and what might change with the election of a new president. Just a week after Donald Trump’s election victory, clearer outlines of American foreign policy directions are already emerging.
We have invited two excellent experts on the U.S.A. and observers of American politics, both well-known to you: Professor Dr. Bogomil Ferfila, a publicist, author, world traveler, and more, and Edvard Žitnik, a foreign affairs journalist and commentator, host of TV Slovenia programs, and former U.S. correspondent. Discussion moderated by Marjan Šetinc, President of SDMO.
Although much has already been said in recent days—and the public may be saturated with information and commentary about the U.S. elections—Donald Trump’s resurgence will affect every corner of the globe. Nothing will be the same as before, and analyses and comments will continue.
U.S. elections are a show; some call them a spectacle, but I would call it a war for millions of dollars. This is well illustrated by the “earnings” of Elon Musk (the richest person in the U.S.); according to media reports, his wealth increased by $120 billion in just one day. Showmen, actors, puppets controlled by capital, and billionaires prevail.
American democracy, like other democracies, almost without exception, produces more or less authoritarian leaders. Many soon lose every touch with the citizens, forget their election promises, and make decisions on their own, with no consultation.
In the U.S., especially since the emergence of Donald Trump, campaign content has been replaced by spectacle, distortion of facts, and grotesque behavior.
The pattern of a whole country depending on one person is becoming increasingly dominant worldwide. It seems that various democracies—electoral systems that actually define the type of democracy in each country—elevate individuals on whom destinies of whole nations depend. In the case of U.S., the whole world trembles.
Many of us breathed a sigh of relief after President Biden’s victory in 2020, a relief after Donald Trump’s time in office from 2016 to 2020! Can we breathe a sigh of relief with Donald Trump re-elected, especially in today’s world of new, different wars? In his campaign he promised that if he won, he would quickly end the wars in Ukraine and Palestine. Which clearly suggests what many of us have argued: that America is the decisive player in both conflicts and only America can truly end them.
Has Europe or the world felt any relief from these promises? Hardly. When Joseph Biden was elected, the world felt relieved because the unpredictable Donald Trump was no longer in power. Although President Biden reversed some of his predecessor’s decisions, such as rejoining UNESCO and the Paris Climate Agreement, he did not renew the Iran nuclear deal, nor did he revoke the recognition of the Golan Heights and Jerusalem as Israeli territories.
Biden has not undone agreements that have significantly impacted international relations, thus leaving President Trump’s (US) decisions in place. What could still happen? Will Trump reduce the importance of AUKUS and QUAD or withdraw from agreements that increased global tensions, such as defense agreements with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines aimed at containing China? Will he engage again with Kim Jong-un or Putin? Will he normalize relations with Russia ahead of Europe?
What kind of world awaits us? Early signs are emerging: Donald Trump has already communicated with Netanyahu, offering full support to Israel. He reportedly spoke with Putin as well.
Countries worldwide are preparing for Trump’s possible moves, both announced and unforeseen. Meetings like APEC in Lima and ASEAN agreements indicate global readiness for a different U.S. stance.
Before our guests address these questions, I propose they begin by offering some insights on what was most decisive in Donald Trump’s victory. According to CNN exit polls on election day, 80% of voters had made up their minds before September, with only 7% deciding in the final week. So, what happened in that last week?