Newsroom
In a recent interview with Kathimerini's Alexis Papachellas, CNN's Fareed Zakaria shared his insights on the current state of U.S. politics and its implications for both the nation and the world. Here are the key points from their discussion:
1. Concern Over Polarization: Zakaria highlighted the alarming level of political polarization in the U.S., claiming it’s the worst since the Civil War. He noted that this polarization hampers effective governance, as politicians now gain visibility by refusing to compromise, a shift fueled by social media.
2. Potential for Post-Election Chaos: If the upcoming election results are close, Zakaria expressed concern about a repeat of events like the January 6 Capitol riot. He warned that if Trump were to lose and contest the results, it could lead to lawsuits and attempts to undermine the electoral process, further straining the legitimacy of U.S. governance.
3. U.S. Global Standing: Despite being economically stronger than ever, Zakaria lamented the decline of the U.S. as a beacon of democracy. He pointed to the current dysfunction in the political system as a major contributor to this shift, especially with Trump's attacks on institutions that traditionally uphold democratic values.
4. End of Pax Americana: Zakaria argued that while the U.S. remains powerful, it is losing its ability to influence global events. He noted the rising power of countries like China, Russia, and others, which are now asserting their roles on the international stage, challenging U.S. dominance.
5. Implications of Russian and Israeli Actions: He suggested that if Russia were to prevail in Ukraine or if Israel continued certain policies, it could indicate a significant shift in the global order, diminishing U.S. influence and the effectiveness of international institutions established post-WWII.
6. Future of U.S.-China Relations: On the topic of Taiwan, Zakaria emphasized the need for balance. He suggested that while the U.S. should deter Chinese aggression, it must also recognize China's legitimate interests to avoid conflict.
7. Potential Harris Administration: If Kamala Harris wins the presidency, Zakaria believes she will likely continue Biden's policies, given her lack of extensive foreign policy experience. However, he noted she might bring a different perspective, particularly regarding the Middle East.
8. Election Predictions: Zakaria described the election as too close to call, warning that past polling inaccuracies could mislead predictions. He noted the possibility of Trump's hidden voter base affecting the outcome, making it difficult to forecast the result accurately.
9. Concerns Over Western Unity: Reflecting on the potential ramifications of Trump's re-election, Zakaria expressed hope that enough forces within the U.S. would seek to maintain strong ties with Europe. He acknowledged that Trump's presidency could significantly challenge Western alliances.
Overall, Zakaria's insights paint a picture of a politically fractured U.S. grappling with its identity and role in a rapidly changing world, where traditional power dynamics are shifting, and the implications of upcoming elections are more critical than ever.
