Not only is the American presidential election being viewed as one of the most important elections in our nation’s history, governments across the globe are also awaiting the results of Nov. 6.

“This election is important as America is trying to do a readjustment, along with all the other industrial economies, from a global economic crisis,” said political science professor Dr. Gregory Julian.

In today’s globally connected world, we have the ability to watch each other and see how foreign affairs dictate actions back home.  Perhaps the most important bond we share with the world is our economic connection. The U.S. economy is not only affected by actions on the home front, but by what the rest of the world does.

We recently saw this in Greece during their June election between the New Democratic Party that would comply with the European Union austerity measures, and the party against them. The entire world watched the elections in hope that the Greek government would make the right decision and not default. According to an article by marketplace.org, Greece defaulting on its loan could cause a collapse of the European Union.

The European and Asian markets are watching the U.S. elections as well, because they know that the outcome of this election will affect them whether the winner is President Obama or Governor Romney.
“Everything has to look to China, they’re our biggest competitor right now; more of our debt is held by China than any other country. If our foreign policy with China becomes too aggressive, China can demand their money, which would cause a catastrophic burden on US taxes,” said Dr. Julian.

Governor Romney has pledged to act in a more aggressive way towards China in regards to trade and negotiations. According to republicancandidates.org, the former governor of Massachusetts argues that the president has not been “tough enough” when dealing with China. Romney plans on labeling China a “currency manipulator” and claims that he will take action against China through the World Trade Organization. Yet the Governor’s foreign policy does not end in Asia.

With many conflicts arising in the Middle East involving Syria, Turkey, and Iran, this election is certain to impact our foreign relations and military involvement in that area.

“Romney will have to do things militarily to prove he has the metal to be commander in chief,” said Dr. Julian.

Also the world will be watching the election to see what America’s wealthiest members do. Global governments will be curious to see if the stock market will decline if the top one percent of the U.S. population is asked to pay higher taxes.
“There are consequences for Obama to ask the rich and very rich to pay their fair share; if Obama gets elected there will be an unwillingness for the economic elite to work with Obama voluntarily,” said Dr. Julian. “Demanding the wealthy to pay their fair share will not come easily.”

Countries in all corners of the world will be turning their eyes to the United States on Nov. 6, to see who will indeed come out victorious in an election that could define the actions of several generations across the globe.