King's College London

The event, held on 9 October, hosted by the School of Politics and Economics, saw panellists Dr Adam Quinn, Dr Elizabeth Ingleson, Dr Josephine Harmon, Stephen Hunsaker, and Kat Lee debate the critical issues that could sway the election in favour of each candidate and the policies each government could advocate for during its time in office.

The event, moderated by Professor Samuel Greene, from the King's Russia Institute, featured a 45-minute panel discussion of topics such as foreign policy toward China, NATO and its future in the event of Donald Trump's re-election, reproductive rights and America after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Project 2025 and the future of the Gaza-Israel conflict.

Dr Adam Quinn, an associate professor of American foreign policy, highlighted how, in the event of Trump taking office, the implications for the future of NATO and the Ukraine war could be alarming. He highlighted how evidence suggested Trump was not necessarily keen on maintaining alliances established before him, which could translate into NATO losing its worth due to a lack of American commitment. Additionally, Dr Quinn speculated on Project 2025, Trump's alleged policy agenda. There is a section within the agenda, Dr Quinn said, which advocates for the formation of an interior department focusing on detaining and deporting all undocumented migrants, which would require mass resources and support from Congress.

The panellists also focused on the future of the US-China relationship. Kat Lee, a King's College London alumna, concentrated on how Kamala Harris's administration would have a more nuanced approach to the relationship but would still apply protectionism in their interactions with China. Other panellists also highlighted how, in the event of a Trump win, the geopolitical rivalry between the two nations would be heavily affected by who would take charge of foreign policy within the administration. It was mentioned that if Elbridge Colby were to take the lead on foreign policy, the relationship would be approached differently and so on with other candidates for the position.

The issue of reproductive rights and the overturn of Roe vs. Wade was also discussed. The law which protected abortion rights under the US Constitution was overturned in 2022, leading to an abortion ban in 14 states and restrictions being applied in another eight. The panellists pointed out how Trump was seen as the protector of family values amongst his supporters and how if another term were to happen, his effort to ban abortion could be an inspiration to his European counterparts, such as Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Georgia Meloni in Italy. As for Harris, it was mentioned how a good portion of her presidential campaign runs on the issue of reproductive rights and how this could drive up the number of votes cast for her by gaining the support of individuals for a constitutional protection policy against the ban of abortion and other reproductive rights.

The conflict in Gaza was also discussed. The panellists discussed how neither candidate would be necessarily beneficial in helping achieve peace in the region. Stephen Hunsaker suggested that a Trump presidency, however, would have more dire consequences when compared to a Harris presidency. It was mentioned how Trump's efforts at moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a clear indication that in the event of him being re-elected, it is more likely for him to throw his support at Israel. As for Harris, it was pointed out how her win could be more beneficial in the situation and help establish a ceasefire.

A social event for the attendees followed the event, allowing them to ask the panellists questions and for the participants to network with like-minded individuals.