America! Most of us in the rest of the world did not care about your countries politics...UNTIL NOW

Understanding American Centrism and the Global Significance of the Upcoming Election for Christ Followers.

Browsing international news, I discovered a striking fact: over 70% of Americans believe the world closely watches U.S. elections. This perception, both intriguing and puzzling, reflects how American politics dominate global conversations. With the rise of Donald Trump and global unrest, my perspective as a New Zealand mother has shifted. The upcoming U.S. election holds great significance for me as a global citizen and follower of Christ. Let's delve into why many Americans perceive the world revolves around them, the lack of global consensus on this belief, and how the current political climate, especially with Trump, differs..

American Perception of Global Attention

After WWII, America emerged as a global power in economics, military, and culture, aided by initiatives like the Marshall Plan and the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. This historical backdrop fueled a perception that the world closely observed American actions. The influence of American media, including Hollywood, TV shows, and major news networks, further amplifies this global reach, constantly showcasing American narratives worldwide and reinforcing the notion that American issues resonate globally. issues, leading many Americans to assume that their elections are of paramount interest to everyone.

Cultural hegemony extends beyond media. American brands, from Coca-Cola to Apple, are household names across the globe. English, heavily influenced by American culture, is the dominant language of business and diplomacy. This cultural dominance fosters the belief that America's way of life is the standard, making its politics seemingly more relevant to everyone.

Global Indifference to American Politics

Historically, the world has often been indifferent to American elections. While U.S. foreign policy decisions have had global repercussions, the internal politics of America have usually been seen as just that—internal. For many countries, local issues took precedence over who occupied the White House.

Countries around the world are primarily concerned with their own domestic issues. Economic stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure are often more pressing than the intricacies of American politics. This focus on local concerns has traditionally led to a limited interest in U.S. elections.

However, globalization has changed the landscape. The world is more interconnected than ever before, with economic and political decisions in one country often having ripple effects globally. This interconnectedness has gradually shifted attention towards American politics, especially when policies have direct implications for other nations.

The Trump Factor

Donald Trump's presidency brought an unprecedented level of global interest in American politics. His unorthodox approach, controversial statements, and significant policy shifts attracted worldwide attention. From withdrawing from international agreements to imposing tariffs, Trump's actions had far-reaching consequences.

Trump's polarizing nature also played a significant role. Loved by some and loathed by others, his presidency sparked intense debates not just in the U.S. but globally. This polarization made American politics a hot topic in many countries, including New Zealand.

Trump's policies directly affected countries around the world. For instance, his stance on trade impacted New Zealand's exports, and his immigration policies influenced global migration patterns. These direct effects made American politics more relevant to New Zealanders and many others globally.

Perspectives from Around the World

Europe: Economic and Political Ties

European countries, like Germany and France, have seen firsthand how American politics can impact their economies and political stability. Trump's trade wars and tariffs have affected European markets, causing economic uncertainty. Moreover, his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change left many European nations scrambling to reaffirm their commitment to environmental protection.

Africa: Development and Aid

In many African countries, U.S. foreign aid plays a crucial role in development projects and humanitarian efforts. Trump's policies on foreign aid, including cuts and reallocations, have had significant impacts on health, education, and infrastructure projects across the continent. For countries relying on this support, the U.S. election results could mean the difference between continued progress and setbacks.

Asia: Trade and Security

In Asia, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are deeply affected by U.S. trade policies and security commitments. Trump's aggressive trade policies with China have had widespread economic repercussions, while his approach to North Korea has influenced regional security dynamics. The U.S. election holds the potential to reshape these critical relationships and policies.

South America: Migration and Economy

South American countries, particularly those with significant migrant populations heading to the U.S., are directly impacted by American immigration policies. Trump's stringent immigration stance has influenced migration flows and created diplomatic tensions. Additionally, trade agreements and economic policies set by the U.S. significantly affect South American economies.

Why This Election Matters to a Global Citizen

As a global citizen, I've seen how American politics can impact lives worldwide. Trade relationships, military alliances, and environmental policies set by the U.S. have direct consequences for many nations. With Trump in the picture, these effects have been magnified, making this election particularly significant for the global community.

Economic and Political Ties

The interconnectedness of the global economy means that political decisions made in Washington can affect markets, tourism, and even national security in countries far beyond U.S. borders. This interconnectedness means that the outcome of the U.S. election has direct implications for nations worldwide.

From a moral and ethical standpoint, American leadership on global issues such as climate change, human rights, and international security is crucial. As countries that value these principles, the direction that the U.S. takes can influence global standards and policies.

Potential for Global Conflict

The stakes are high in this election, not just for America but for the world. Depending on who is elected and their alignments, we could be fast-tracking towards global conflict, even World War III. The escalation of international tensions, aggressive foreign policies, and military posturing are potential risks with far-reaching consequences.

Historical examples remind us of the delicate balance of power. The Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War, for instance, brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Today, the dynamics are no less complex, with multiple flashpoints around the world that could ignite under the wrong leadership. It is crucial for Americans to vote wisely, considering not only domestic issues but the broader implications of their choice.

From "WOKE" Christian to Devout Follower of Christ

I was not always a supporter of Donald Trump. Initially, I viewed his policies and actions through a critical lens, influenced by a more "WOKE" Christian perspective. However, over time, as I delved deeper into my faith and sought to align my views more closely with Biblical principles, my stance shifted. I realized that Trump's policies often align more closely with these principles than those of his opponents, like Joe Biden.

As a follower of Christ, I evaluate political leaders through the lens of Christian values. The Bible teaches us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Leadership that aligns with these principles is essential for fostering a just and compassionate society.

• Sanctity of Life: Trump's stance on abortion aligns with the Biblical principle of the sanctity of life. He has taken steps to protect unborn children, which resonates with my belief in the inherent value of all life (Psalm 139:13-16).

• Religious Freedom: Trump's policies have often defended religious freedoms, ensuring that Christians can practice their faith without government interference. This is crucial for maintaining the freedom to live out our beliefs (Galatians 5:1).

• Support for Israel: The Bible underscores God's everlasting covenant with Israel, and backing Israel by Trump signifies an acknowledgment of this Biblical importance. Genesis 12:3 asserts reciprocal blessings and curses for those who support or oppose Israel, highlighting their universal blessing. Genuine followers of Christ unequivocally endorse Israel. Jesus, our Messiah, was Jewish, and the Israeli people are the faithful recipients of God's covenant. Just as Paul articulates in Romans 11:17, believers are integrated into God's realm through Jesus' sacrifice. Hence, standing by Israel is pivotal in upholding God's covenant with them.

Conversely, many of Joe Biden's policies conflict with Biblical teachings:

• Abortion Rights: Biden's support for abortion rights is fundamentally at odds with the Biblical view of the sanctity of life (Jeremiah 1:5).

• Gender Ideology: Biden's promotion of gender ideology and policies related to it contradicts the Biblical understanding of gender as created by God (Genesis 1:27).

Religious Liberties: Some of Biden's policies could potentially limit religious freedoms, forcing Christians to act against their beliefs in areas such as healthcare and education (Acts 5:29).

The belief in America's centrality is deeply ingrained due to historical, cultural, and media influences. Global interest in American politics has heightened, especially post-Trump. As a global citizen and Christian, this election's significance lies in its wide-ranging economic, political, and moral consequences. It's a moment to ponder righteous leadership and the global impact of American politics. Informed voting is crucial to prevent global conflicts, as American choices resonate worldwide, affecting international relations, economic stability, and peace possibilities.

As we approach this critical election, I encourage you to reflect on your own perspectives and to engage in thoughtful discussions about the global impact of American politics. Let us seek leaders who uphold justice, compassion, and integrity, and let us pray for guidance and wisdom in these challenging times. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our interconnected world with faith and hope. Remember, your vote not only shapes the future of America but also has the power to influence the direction of our entire world.