Dr. Mitchell Smith speaks on the global implications of the upcoming presidential election

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) hosted an engaging panel discussion on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, examining the global implications of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Held in the Sutliff Auditorium of the Lewis Katz Building, the event drew an audience eager to hear insights from leading international affairs professors on how the election might influence foreign policy, global media, and economics.

Dr. Mitchell Smith, director of the SIA and professor of international affairs, opened the event with welcoming remarks. He emphasized the importance of understanding the international ramifications of the U.S. presidential election, noting that the stakes extend beyond national politics and will have significant global consequences.

Dr. Smith set the stage for the discussion, underscoring the diverse expertise of the panelists.

The first speaker, Ambassador Dennis Jett, professor of international affairs, focused on how the foreign policy approaches of each presidential candidate might shape international relations. Jett drew on international relations theory and the candidates' platforms to provide an analysis of U.S. engagement with key global powers and alliances.

He highlighted the potential impact on trade, military alliances, and diplomatic relationships, emphasizing that the election will have profound implications for America's standing in the world.

Next, Dr. Sophia McClennen, professor of international affairs and comparative literature, shifted the focus to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and misinformation in global media. She explained how AI-driven misinformation is amplifying the current media crisis, stressing that voters need to be cautious about the news they consume.

McClennen cited notable statistics, including the fact that 259 million new users joined social media platforms in the past year and that 86% of global citizens have been exposed to fake news. She emphasized the urgency of addressing this misinformation crisis in the lead-up to the election, urging voters to be vigilant when navigating online information.

Dr. Johannes Fedderke, professor of international affairs and African studies, followed with a discussion on the economic implications of the election. Using a variety of visual data, Fedderke argued that while political uncertainty can lead to economic pessimism, such a view is not entirely justified.

He presented evidence showing the resilience and adaptability of global economic structures, even in times of political change, suggesting that the economic outlook is not as bleak as some fear.

Finally, Dr. Flynt Leverett, professor of international affairs and Asian studies, concluded the panel with a comprehensive analysis of the U.S.-China competition. He focused on the technology race, particularly in AI and computer chips, stressing that the next U.S. president will have to manage this rivalry carefully.

Leverett argued that the high-tech competition between the two superpowers is pivotal for determining the future of global influence, with significant consequences for international security and economic dominance.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where audience members posed questions to the panelists about the intersection of global policy, technology, and media. The discussion provided a timely and insightful analysis of the upcoming election, highlighting its importance not only for the U.S. but for the broader international community.

Through events like these, the Penn State School of International Affairs continues to foster critical discussions on global issues, providing the community with valuable perspectives from experts in the field.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.