The “Trump Effect” on Elections Is Just Beginning, Including in Asia

Donald Trump has only been president, this time around, for about three months. It has been a dramatic three months since his inauguration, so dramatic that some interesting aspects of Trump’s impact on the world get less notice. They are often lost among the ways in which he has shocked the global order, global markets, alliances, and the U.S. economy itself.

Yet since his inauguration the president also seems to be creating a “Trump effect” on many, though not all, foreign elections, especially among countries that have been important U.S. allies and partners. In general, the effect has been to boost the popularity of left or center-left parties in national elections – an effect that started with Canada’s upcoming vote but seems to be spreading globally, including to many important U.S. partners in Asia. For more on this trend, see my new article in the Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/04/20/japan/trump-effect-on-elections/