What do Latin Americans and Europeans think about Donald Trump and Kamala Harris before the election?

As the world watches the US election unfold, many, particularly people in Latin America, believe that Trump is the only option to prevent the decline of American economic power and influence.

Joseph Humire, an expert on Latin America and executive director of the think tank Center for a Secure Society, told Fox News Digital that many Latin Americans are hoping for a Trump victory on November 5.

Humire said the Biden administration's policies toward Latin America resulted in it being “the worst I've ever seen.”

“Over the last four years the region has taken a very difficult direction,” he said. “Food inflation is really high. Organized crime and violence are very high. And they are gradually losing their democratic practices. There is a huge democratic backslide in the region.”

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President Trump throws a roll of paper towels as he visits the Cavalry Band in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, October 3, 2017. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Humire, Latin Americans believe that if elected vice president, Kamala Harris would continue the Biden administration's policies, perpetuating the region's economic decline and stagnation.

On the other hand, Humire said that the Latin American population associates Trump's presidency with a time when they experienced greater prosperity and that they see it as a sign of hope for better times when the US has made greater investments in the region, but the economy not bald. These people believe that Trump's plan to reduce US dependence on China would mean greater US investment in Latin America.

“Most countries in Latin America are very interested in investment from the United States,” he explained. “If Kamala Harris wins, you might have a lot of agnostic attitudes, but people will say, 'The United States is pretty much finished.' On the other hand, if President Trump wins, I think there will be a big reaction in Latin America, not only among government leaders but also among the population.

He also said many politicians are watching the U.S. election closely, hoping it will boost the ambitions of existing conservative, populist movements in South America. As U.S. influence waned in Latin America, that vacuum was filled by Russia, China and Iran, negatively impacting democracy in the region, Humire said.

Argentine President Javier Milei serves as an example of a recently ascended populist leader who said he was inspired by Trump's success in the United States. Humire believes a Trump victory on election night could lead to a number of more conservative leaders emerging across Latin America, particularly in countries close to Argentina such as Chile and Colombia.

Argentine President Javier Milei addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on September 24, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Segar)

As for the cartels, Humire said a Harris victory would essentially mean it would be business as usual.

“If Kamala wins,” he said, “they know they will see that as a continuation of President Biden, and they know how to make that happen. They've been quite successful over the last four years and have turned a lot of them around.” “The Biden administration's policy failures are being converted into gains and successes for the transnational criminal organizations.”

Although some believe Trump's strongman rhetoric conveys the kind of strength needed today, there is consensus in Europe and the United Kingdom that Harris should be the next U.S. president, according to Alan Mendoza, a British political analyst and Founder of Henry Jackson Society.

Mendoza told Fox News Digital: “If Europe and Britain voted, Kamala Harris would win in a landslide.”

“Donald Trump obviously doesn’t play to European audiences. He is not trying to win the hearts and minds of Europe,” he said.

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Vice President Kamala Harris (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images/File)

Mendoza said many Europeans fear Trump will cut off all aid to Ukraine and pull the U.S. out of NATO at a time when the Russian threat looms large on the continent.

“We understand the threats. “Russia is at the door,” he said.

On the other hand, he pointed out that Harris was inexperienced in foreign policy. He said some believe Trump would “restore” the sense of American strength and power that disappeared during the Biden administration.

Mendoza said the influence of a Trump or Harris administration on Europe will depend on who they appoint to crucial positions, such as foreign minister.

“A lot of it depends on which version of government comes forward,” he said. “It will clearly be a risk for Europe.”

In this handout image taken on October 19, 2024, a released Ukrainian prisoner of war is seen with his relatives after an exchange at an undisclosed location. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/via Reuters)

Additionally, Mendoza said Trump's personality does not mesh well with European sensibilities. Whether justified or not, Mendoza said Europeans have the impression that Trump is anti-democratic, isolationist and ultra-conservative on social issues such as abortion, which is reinforced by European media coverage.

“Historian Niall Ferguson put it very well recently when he said: If your main concern is the American empire, i.e. America's power abroad, you will support Trump, and if your main concern is the American republic, i.e. h “If you have democracy at home, you might well vote for Kamala Harris,” he said.

Regardless of who they support, Mendoza said, like most Americans, Europeans will watch as the election results emerge.

“The US election is being watched around the world,” he said. “And of course Europe and Great Britain are no different. It's the big problem. Even in this year with many elections, everyone is aware of the importance of the American elections.”

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