Why US election matters to the rest of the world

Hello. Voters will decide the next president of the United States in a week.The outcome of the election is not only significant for Americans. Today Lyse Doucet lays out how it matters to the rest of the world - the piece is full of insights on Nato, China and climate policy. We're also reporting on Unrwa, witch-hunting in Nigeria, and the Beatles.

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What the US election means for the world

The outcome of the election could significantly affect the Middle East, Ukraine and global economy. Credit: BBC

The world is waiting for Americans to make their choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in just one weeks’ time - and between two clashing visions of Washington's role in foreign affairs. Our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reflects on the global consequences of this consequential election.

What's at stake?

We live in a world where the value of US global influence is under question. Regional powers are going their own way, autocratic regimes are making their own alliances, and the devastating wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere are raising uncomfortable questions about the value of Washington’s role. But America matters by dint of its economic and military strength, and its major role in many alliances.

What about Ukraine?

Washington’s defence spending amounts to two-thirds of the military budgets of Nato’s 31 other members. Trump boasts he’s playing hardball to force other Nato countries to meet their spending targets, which is 2% of their GDP. "Donald Trump is Europe’s nightmare," says Rose Gottemoeller, Nato’s former deputy secretary general. But there’s also a growing sense that no matter who becomes president, pressure will mount on Ukraine to find ways out of this war as US lawmakers become increasingly reluctant to pass huge aid packages.

How is China seeing this election?

Leaders in Beijing believe both Harris and Trump will be tough. Leading China scholar Rana Mitter says that "a small group of establishment types favour Harris as 'better the opponent you know.' A significant minority see Trump as a businessman whose unpredictability might just mean a grand bargain with China, however unlikely that seems." Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on all imported Chinese goods could be "the biggest shock to the global economy for decades," he says.

THE BIG PICTURE

The fight against 'witch-hunters'

Some Pentecostal pastors in Nigeria hold services targeting alleged witches. Credit: Advocacy for Alleged Witches

Accusations of witchcraft can destroy lives in Nigeria, as claims based on superstition can sometimes lead to literal witch-hunting and lynching. Activist Leo Igwe set up Advocacy For Alleged Witches, an organisation helping victims of the stigma. But his work has come with a personal cost.

And finally... in the UK

A console used to record one of the most famous albums ever made - the Beatles' Abbey Road - is set to be auctioned off. It follows a four-year restoration process after it was discovered in a skip - also known across the pond as a dumpster. It had been thrown away by a school it was donated to after staff reportedly didn't know how to use it.