Arvanitakis on American politics: What will happen next?

Donald Trump still refuses to admit defeat in the Presidential election, but even when he is finally forced to leave office in January next year, his idiosyncratic style of politics may be here to stay.

What’s next for the Republicans?

American conservatives have at least five reasons to feel concerned about Trump’s legacy — and another five to feel quite optimistic.

Biden in Asia

Joe Biden’s immediate priority following his inauguration on 20 January 2021 will be domestic, difficult and crisis-driven, but Biden will begin his foreign policy by re-entering the world.

“Losing is never easy”

If Donald Trump’s denial of the election result is a product of personal narcissism rather than political calculation then don’t hold your breath for an apology, let alone a graceful concession speech.

Can Biden heal a divided nation?

Joe Biden has won the Presidency of the United States, although Donald Trump shows no sign of accepting the electorate’s democratic decision. Biden’s task will be to heal a bitterly divided nation, but he could just be the man for the job.

Trump’s poisonous legacy

Donald Trump has lost the 2020 Presidential election, despite his refusal to concede, and part of his legacy will be a loss of faith in the office of the president – both as a leader and an institution.

Muddying the waters

President Trump and his coterie are still attempting to sow seeds of doubt in the American election process, hoping to play for time and have victory handed to them by a compliant Supreme Court, despite Biden’s victory in the Electoral College.

This bitter election damaged America’s global standing and the international liberal order

Although the result has finally become clear in Biden’s favour, the fraught 2020 American presidential election crystallises the crises of both US power and the post-1945 liberal order.

Biden closes on the Presidency

This week in US politics has proved a tough reminder of how good we have it in Australia. We have an electoral commission, compulsory voting, and a less divided society. As Michelle Grattan writes, “a strong political system has a calming effect”. But we shouldn’t get too cosy while watching the US election from abroad.

History shows a contested election won’t destroy American democracy

President Trump’s bluster and bullying won’t be enough to save his Presidency and, despite his best attempts, won’t undermine American democracy, which has withstood far more serious challenges in the past.

Pennsylvania – The keystone state

Whatever happens over the coming days, Pennsylvania once again is playing a key role in American political history. And it is likely to remain a key battleground state for presidential elections in years to come.

Why democratic legitimacy is now at stake

The United States will sit in limbo until the final results from swing states are in, but the Trump campaign has already begun to push this political battle into the courts should he lose, while the Biden campaign has promised to meet the challenge.