The recent presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump has left many around the world concerned about the state of American democracy and global leadership. Analysts in Europe and Asia expressed worry and disappointment after watching the chaotic exchange between the two candidates.
Simon Canning, a communications manager in Australia, called the debate an “unmitigated disaster” and expressed concern about America’s future. Historian Sergey Radchenko from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington stated that the election is doing more to discredit American democracy than even America’s rivals, such as Russia and China, could hope for.
The lack of substantive discussion on foreign policy during the debate raised alarms among international observers. President Trump’s vague promises to resolve global conflicts without explanation and President Biden’s efforts to rally allies were met with skepticism.
The debate also raised questions about the candidates’ ability to lead on the global stage. Some analysts, like François Heisbourg from France, saw the debate as a confirmation of existing worries about both candidates. The French daily Le Monde described Biden’s performance as a “shipwreck” compared to his previous debates with Trump.
In Asia, concerns were raised about how a second Trump administration could impact relations with China and North Korea. Countries like Japan and South Korea detected a shift in political winds favoring Trump, prompting renewed questions about Biden’s age and strength as a leader.
In India, the debate highlighted concerns about the unpredictability of American leadership under Trump and the potential impact on geopolitical stability. Chinese observers noted that U.S. policy towards China is likely to harden regardless of the election outcome.
Overall, the debate left many international observers feeling pessimistic about the future of American leadership and the global order. As countries around the world grapple with uncertainty, the need for strong and reliable American leadership remains a pressing concern.