Democracy in America: mid-term elections and America’s global signal
As the Biden presidency reaches its halfway mark, how will the US electorate’s response impact international affairs?
During the 2020 campaign, Biden argued for America to re-engage with allies abroad, declaring at the Munich Security Conference in 2021 that 'America is back'. The November mid-term elections are a major milestone in post-Trump, as US voters provide a verdict on the Democrats' two years in office.
Despite its divisive and polarised political environment, US elections still hold significant outcomes for the rest of the world. A heavy focus on domestic issues will no doubt still influence American foreign policy, constraining or liberating the White House for the next two years.
When most Americans and the administration are focused on domestic issues, what are the likely outcomes for US foreign policy?
The panel of experts discuss:
What can be expected in the first major election since the Capitol insurrection on 6 January?
How do the results of the mid-term elections reflect Biden’s successes or failures in the past two years?
Have the elections had any significant impact on US policy towards Ukraine?
How will the newly-elected Congress impact US foreign policy and what should the international community expect?
This event is part of Chatham House’s ongoing work on democracy that delivers.
As with all Chatham House member events, questions from members drive the conversation.