Whatever the outcome of the 3rd November election, the US hegemony has ended and a new era in international relations begun, writes Chris Ogden.

Much appears to be at stake in the upcoming US Presidential Election.  For liberals, a second Trump term would represent an ever-growing threat to American democracy, to objectivity in the country’s justice system and to equality for its citizens.  For Republicans, a Biden victory would usher in a radical left that would reduce economic growth, inspire mass protest and stop the white racial dominance of American institutions and daily life.  As a result, both Biden and Trump claim that they are fighting “a battle for America’s soul”.

Beyond the domestic consequences of the November 3^rd vote, the US election has serious ramifications which will impact upon the US’s place on the global stage.  In international relations, great powers – the world’s most influential and powerful countries – owe their status not only to considerable economic and military strength but also the recognition of their peers.  In this way, international politics is as much about perceptions as it is about material factors, with the confluence of these elements conferring global dominance.  If such positive perceptions sour, so too then can a country’s effective status in the world.

Combined with a less than stellar and somewhat dismissive response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and despite continued economic and military capabilities, the US - in terms of how it is broadly perceived in global affairs– is in decline.  This decline marks the definitive end point of US hegemony in world affairs, and the true heralding of a multipolar international system where US leadership will need to openly compete with China, Russia, India and the European Union for legitimacy.  The death throes of the American Century, and of its western-centric world order, will also enable the emergence of an Asian Century and of a new eastern-centric world order.

Arguably the most damaging to global perceptions would be civil unrest within the US. Given that - regardless of the outcome - the sitting President remains in the White House until January, there are fears that supporters of both candidates will clash in the streets.  Such worries largely centre upon Republican voters, who may be egged on by a candidate who looks unlikely to concede defeat even if he loses, and appears to give little concern for the political and social consequences that such an action may bring.  Notably, his niece has stated that the President will go “farther than you can possibly imagine” to stay in power.  Observers also argue that violence may be unleashed even if President Trump is re-elected, as his supporters will see his second term victory as “open season to go after people that have been opponents of Trump”.