Prof.Wang Jianwei(Professor of International Relations at the University of Macau) and Prof.Lin Zhimin(Professor at the Department of Political Science,Valparaiso University) comment on recent student protests in the US. Read the full piece in Chinese:https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_27372088
Students at Columbia University in the U.S. protested against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, demanding divestment from companies supporting Israel. The protests have spread across the U.S. and show few signs of abating, adding complexity to the upcoming Biden-Trump electoral rematch.
The authors recall that the U.S. has seen significant campus protests in the past, such as those against the Vietnam War, apartheid in South Africa, and now against Israel’s actions in Gaza. These reflect challenges in U.S. foreign policy and its domestic political repercussions.
The authors argue that,unlike the past violent protests, the current demonstrations have remained largely non-violent, with students occupying campuses and causing some damage but not using weapons. The government response has been less intense compared to the National Guard’s actions during the Vietnam War protests.
The authors reckon that the ongoing protests could influence the tight race between Biden and Trump, potentially leading to voter division within the Democratic Party and consolidation within the Republican Party, affecting the election outcome.
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