Midterm and parliamentary elections in the US have attracted the attention of the world agenda. The results of these elections can influence foreign policy directions of the United States of America.
Eurasia Diary took an interview from Mr. Tangen about the influence of elections in the US.
Einar Tangen worked as Political and Economic Affairs Commentator in Press TV, CNN, India Today and other media companies.
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What do you think how parliamentary elections will affect US future foreign policy?
-The House does not have a direct role in foreign policy, but indirectly they can exert influence through control of the purse strings.
Military budgets will be paired, hopefully ratcheting down military tensions in the Middle East and Africa.
China will not get much leeway as anti-Chinese feelings are a bi-partisan affair. Iran and North Korea will be Sunday's talking points, but will not change.
There will be a softer stance towards traditional allies, so Mexico, Canada, EU, and Australia, at least in terms of lip service.
The Senate has a more direct foreign policy role as they control the confirmation of Cabinet nominees and treaties. With an increased Republican majority, they will continue to back the military-industrial complex and Trump's general foreign policy direction, if not always his delivery of it. The Senate and the House will have to compromise to avoid government shutdowns and criticism for being obstructionists.
There is a question of how Trump will react to having to work across an aisle he regularly casts as villains. More than likely, Trump will continue his playground bully role while casting himself as a hero to his base.
Look for Democrats to be tougher on Trump’s bromance with Putin, Deterte and Kim and they will probably inject more human, women's, workers and environmental rights issues into the conversation, to set up the political agenda for the 2020 presidential election.
What do you expect about US pressure on China and Russia? Will it continue?
-The short answer is yes, but there will be more emphasis on the ecology, worker, women, gender and human rights. Democrats will talk a lot about the role of the free press and issues like Ukraine, Xinjiang, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Tibet, but try to avoid direct confrontations.
Trump's aggressive foreign policy towards allies will become a talking point towards the next Presidential election. Russia Gate, personal emoluements and other issues will continue in the form of congressional hearings. This will push Trump to try diverting more attention towards foreign policy.
Ulvi Ahmedli
Eurasia Diary
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