US Elections
A turning point for human rights?
The upcoming presidential elections in the USA are groundbreaking for liberal democracy and freedom, not only in the USA but also worldwide. The outcome of the election could even be a turning point for the future of human rights. A future President Kamala Harris would shape both the foreign and domestic policy agenda just as significantly as a potential President Donald Trump.
Regression and erosion of rights
Donald Trump has already announced numerous plans for a second term in office that are contemptuous of human rights during the election campaign, when he declared, on camera, that he wanted to use the military against political opponents. If Trump is re-elected, we can expect a backward-looking, patriarchal policy that rejects abortion in line with evangelical groups.
Whether democratic institutions can withstand a second Trump term is highly doubtful. Trump's repeated attacks on independent media, as well as his tendency to promote authoritarian leadership styles, suggest that even greater restrictions on fundamental rights could follow.
Continuity for human rights protection
In the case of a future President Kamala Harris, no changes to the Biden administration are to be expected. As Vice President, Harris has already emphasized her commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of women, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Particularly on the polarizing issue of abortion, the candidate's statements indicate that women's rights and access to reproductive healthcare should be strengthened.
Harris is expected to take action to combat discrimination and racial injustice. Her agenda includes reforms to the criminal justice system, reducing police violence and protecting the rights of immigrants. Under her leadership, human rights aspects, in particular the protection of marginalized groups, could also come more into focus in the area of climate policy.
Human rights at a crossroads in the US election!
In addition to the defense of human rights, the outcome of the election will significantly determine the role of the US government in matters of security and the rules-based world order.
American citizens still have the opportunity to recognize the threatening gestures of an autocratic development under Trump and to decide in favor of democracy, freedom, the rule of law and human rights.