The upcoming US presidential election has been an ever-looming series of historical firsts on both sides of the aisle. Americans and other global actors are waiting with bated breath to see the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential Election. Regardless of who wins, its outcome has immense implications on both a domestic and global level.
Why the Election Matters to US Students Abroad
This election holds great significance for US students living in London, as the results will influence our daily lives in several meaningful ways. The US and UK’s very special relationship is on the ballot, as this transatlantic alliance impacts trade agreements, travel regulations, and study-abroad opportunities.
The election’s outcome will likely have a policy impact on US students abroad, extending beyond domestic policies. Policy proposals from either candidate can affect students professionally and personally in areas like visa acquisition and post-graduation job prospects. Decisions made in the US may seem geographically distant, but by staying engaged in the political process, expats can ensure their voices and stances on issues are heard.
Living in London: My Perspective on US Politics
Living in London has drastically shaped my political views as I engage with people worldwide and hear broader perspectives outside the common ones I hear in the US. Topics such as immigration, climate change, healthcare, and worker’s rights hold a different weight here than in the US. For example, my British peers are often stunned to hear the US’s seemingly complicated and private healthcare model. Hearing others’ perspectives on the US frequently calls me to consider challenging my understanding of “normal” and encourages me to develop my worldview. For that, I am incredibly grateful.
Another stark difference is the political climate in the UK, as it is significantly less polarising than that of the United States. As I watch others engage in political discourse, discussions are often issue-based rather than party-based. When disagreements occur, the attacks are not personalised to the individual but instead encourage others to explain their perspective. In London, I engage in much more political discourse than in the US, especially with those with different political backgrounds. This is something I find to be incredibly difficult and rare in the United States.
Key Issues of Interest
On the ballot, the issues that mattered most to me were many areas that strongly affect Gen-Z. Mitigating the impact of climate change has always been an issue that resonated with me as I would like to see future generations live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives without the threat of the climate negatively impacting their lives. I value women’s health significantly and heavily considered which candidate’s proposed policies protected women’s rights to bodily autonomy and access to vital medical care. Many of my peers and I are also concerned about the rising costs of living in the US, drastically affecting families’ abilities to provide meals for themselves and their families.
Global Impact of the Election
The impact of this election has vast implications for US-UK relations alongside the US’s relationship with other foreign entities. Living abroad has made me acutely aware that the next administration’s foreign policy position can and will influence how the US is viewed on the world stage. An emphasis on diplomacy rather than isolationism will create safer, more positive experiences for Americans living abroad. Since the US is a significant leader in global politics, the election’s outcome will create harmony or tension on the international stage.
Considering the current political landscape, this election has immense domestic and global implications. As international students, it is essential that we participate in the democratic process. Hopefully, you have cast your ballot, and your voice has been heard. I feel a renewed sense of power through my political engagement in the days leading up to the election. Gen-Z Americans in the US and abroad hold the power to influence change and create the future we desire.
