By Sean Mueck
2024 was one of the most important and influential election years of all time. More than 60 countries held elections, and 2 billion individuals showed up to polling centers throughout the course of the year. The year saw major powers such as the United States and many EU nations swing far to the right, while South Korea and the United Kingdom saw liberal opposition parties firmly regain control. 2024 saw political polarization reach heights not seen for a long time. We will see the immediate and long term effects of these elections play out over the course of the year and beyond. From local, to domestic, to international, the world will see an unprecedented shift in ruling. These are the elections which will shape the world for the near future.
United States
Perhaps the single most important election coming out of 2024, the election of Donald Trump was the strongest sign of the country’s increasing shift to the far right. Running on primarily domestic policy such as mass deportations of migrants, international policy was overshadowed. Recently Trump has expressed increasingly strong interest in using the military to exert influence over key regions. He has stated that he wants to regain control of the Panama Canal, make Canada the 51st state, rename the Gulf of Mexico and control Greenland, where he has suggested potential military force to seize power over the strategically important arctic island nation from strong ally Denmark.
His recent claims show a stark “America First” approach with increasing distrust of allies. After stating his frustration with NATO earlier this year, it is clear the United States is moving into unprecedented times. With a strong focus on domestic issues and security, allies of the United States may have to reconsider their strategy as their primary ally starts to seem increasingly distant.
Canada
With the resignation of Justin Trudeau, Canada moves into the new year without their 23rd prime minister, who has held the highest form of office since 2015. After losing support from his own liberal party, he has stated he will continue to lead until a successor is voted into office.
Canadian citizens now face an unknown future as they will figure out their next prime minister over the course of months. Domestic policy may prove important on the ballot as well after recent comments Trump has made about the country. Canada has a large decision to make, and it’s important to keep an eye on this process throughout the course of 2025.
Austria
In a shocking election, Austria swung to the far right and elected a fiercely nationalist Freedom Party headed by Herbert Kickl. This stands as the country’s first far right victory post World War II. Perhaps the most well known policy from Kickl’s Freedom Party is “Fortress Austria,” which aims to homogenize the country and pushes for “remigration of uninvited foreigners.”
Austria seems to be following a very similar path as Hungary. Kickl has even gone on to say that he has aligned himself closely with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban. The future outlook for Austria seems completely different than any time in recent memory. With the far right being elected to power, Austria will follow down a very similar path as Trump and the United States, focusing inward and emphasizing domestic issues.
beniciapaw.com 