Can the Next President Save a Nation on the Edge of Breaking Apart? by Ndiawar Diop
America on the Edge: Which President Can Unite a Divided Nation?
Will the Next U.S. President Stop the Collapse or Keep the Chaos Going?
The U.S. presidential election on November 4, 2024, marks a turning point for the nation, with a choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, two figures with contrasting visions for the country. The elected president will bear the heavy responsibility of leading a divided nation and addressing multiple challenges, ranging from internal issues of social justice and economic disparities to strained international relations.
The United States faces deep disparities among communities. Despite a majority White population, minorities—especially African Americans and Hispanics—remain overrepresented in the prison system, accounting for over 80% of inmates. This contrasts sharply with their demographic weight, which is under 25% of the total population. This overrepresentation reflects structural inequalities within the judicial system, where minorities are often more targeted by police checks, face harsher sentences, and are under constant surveillance.
Police misconduct further widens this gap. Many cases of police violence affect minorities, leading to anger, mistrust, and protests across the country. The next president will need to take firm measures to reform policing, establish social justice policies, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
Economic disparities between Whites and minorities are another significant challenge. Wealthy neighborhoods, mainly inhabited by Whites, benefit from quality infrastructure, with easy access to water, electricity, and education. In contrast, minorities often live in underprivileged areas with inadequate public services and limited access to quality education and job opportunities.
To close this gap, the elected president will need to implement equitable redistribution policies and support development programs in disadvantaged areas. Improving living conditions, combined with increased access to jobs, training, and healthcare, could help reduce these social disparities.
Racial and economic divisions fuel social fragmentation that threatens national unity. To bring together a fractured America, the next president will need to promote an inclusive discourse and adopt policies that prioritize equity and justice. The challenge will be to restore citizens’ trust in the system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or economic situation, can enjoy the same rights and opportunities.
On the international stage, the United States must strengthen alliances and address critical geopolitical tensions. Relations with Europe, a historical ally, require close coordination, especially regarding collective security and global economic challenges. Similarly, the United States will need to manage complex relations with Asian countries, including China, a major strategic rival, and Africa, which is becoming a growing economic and political partner.
The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, poses another major challenge. As an influential mediator, the United States must strike a balance between supporting Israel and respecting Palestinian aspirations to avoid escalating tensions. Finally, the war in Ukraine, pitting Russia against a Western ally, tests American diplomacy and its commitments to European security.
The next president will also have to handle the war in Ukraine, a major point of friction between the United States and Russia. U.S. support for Ukraine has increased tensions with Moscow, and the prospect of a prolonged war raises concerns about European stability and the global order. The elected president will need to balance support for Ukraine with diplomatic efforts to avoid military escalation.
In conclusion, the next president of the United States, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, will face the formidable task of addressing both internal and external challenges. Racial, economic, and social inequalities can no longer be ignored, as they threaten the balance of American society. Meanwhile, international tensions require a strategic and diplomatic approach to preserve world peace.
Americans are called to make a decisive choice for their nation’s future. The elected president must embody values of justice, unity, and leadership to overcome current challenges, both domestically and internationally, and guide the United States toward a more harmonious and inclusive future.
By Ndiawar Diop
