What happens to global order if next US election results get disputed?
US presidential election results dispute could create worldwide power vacuum. Global rivals might use this opportunity while attention shifts away from current war-zones and international conflicts
The upcoming Nov-5 vote raises concerns about what happens if Kamala Harris wins and Donald Trump disputes results; unlike 2020s contained aftermath this time global stakes are way higher
In todays world with active war-zones a disputed election creates two main risks according to Brian Klaas from University College London: “In the immediate aftermath Trump refusing to concede would suck up the attention of every politician and news organization on Earth leaving little bandwidth to deal with anything else“ [[associate professor of global politics]]
The Russia-Ukraine conflict faces critical timing: Ukrainian forces need more support while Moscow prepares for winter attacks (using Iran-supplied weapons). Jade McGlynn whos currently in eastern Ukraine points out: “Russia will bombard Ukraine over the winter; this would be a disaster for areas that have already had most of their energy infrastructure taken out“
The Middle-east situation is getting more complex; US influence in the region has dropped over last decade. Aaron David Miller explains: “If Israel decides to target civilian and economic infrastructure inside Iran Tehrans retaliation would be key“ – a full conflict might need US involvement
Democracy credibility faces challenges too Nic Cheeseman from University of Birmingham notes that US rivals benefit from electoral chaos:
- Russia uses instability to discredit western democracy
- China points to disorder as proof their system works better
- North Korea continues weapons development
- Iran strengthens regional position
The political uncertainty affects US diplomacy worldwide - from delayed official appointments to questions about military aid commitments; creating space for autocratic powers to reshape international relations their way
