Why there was no “October surprise”

America’s mainstream media were Trump’s unwitting enablers in 2016, but have finally rediscovered their rightful role: to be the country’s gatekeepers against baseless conspiracy theories, to filter out truth from lies, and to hold the powerful accountable for the actions, or their ineptitude.

Arvanitakis on American politics: The next few days and the election

Many say this is the most important election in America’s history. The problem, however, is that the outcome is unlikely to change the direction that history is taking us.

America’s Indo-Pacific strategy is about to change

Washington’s approach to the Indo-Pacific will change over the next four years, regardless of the outcome of the November election. The only questions are how and how much.

Arvanitakis on American Politics: The third debate and 12 days to the election

The US election is already underway, as 40 million have already voted by mail, and the clock towards the most contentious election result in living memory is already ticking.

Arvanitakis on American politics: The first debate…

The First US Presidential debate – held before the President was diagnosed with COVID-19 – did nothing to elevate the level of public discourse, but its chaotic, rowdy nature may well have served Trump’s purposes in an increasingly fractious election campaign.

Arvanitakis on American politics: The judge, the President and the American public

Donald Trump’s selection of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court has sparked political controversy just a month before the Presidential election.

How Trump let COVID take America

As Donald Trump campaigns for re-election, he continues to blame Xi and China for the toll the virus has inflicted on America. Instead, he should look in the mirror.

Arvanitakis on American politics: The uncertainty of election night

The end of the Trump Presidency, if it comes, will be one of conflict, bitterness and resentment with little chance of an orderly handover or constructive transition. Whoever wins will be inheriting a deeply divided nation after the turmoil of recent events.

Arvanitakis on American politics: The National Conventions and three trends to watch

The 2020 election will no doubt be one that political scientists will use as a case study for decades to come: let’s hope it is for all the right reasons.

Arvanitakis on American politics: the complexities of Kamala Harris

Joe Biden’s announcement of Kamala Harris as his running mate for President will bring both positives and negatives to his campaign.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Less than 90 days to the election

We are now less than 90 days away from the USA Presidential elections. Given the pandemic, associated economic downturn and continuing civil strife, the next three months are likely to get even more interesting.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Correction v cancel culture

Like the #metoomovement before it, the death of George Floyd has unleashed a much broader wave of social change, but some fear that freedom of thought and speech are being swept away alongside relics of the past.