Experiencing the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election from France: A Global Perspective

Before moving to France, I had never imagined just how different it would feel to watch major events in my home country unfold while living abroad. Back in the U.S., presidential elections were moments I experienced alongside family, friends, and colleagues. This year, however, I watched the results of the 2024 election come in from a small flat in the southwest of France, thousands of miles away from the action.

Before moving to France, I had never imagined just how different it would feel to watch major events in my home country unfold while living abroad. Back in the U.S., presidential elections were moments I experienced alongside family, friends, and colleagues. This year, however, I watched the results of the 2024 election come in from a small flat in the southwest of France, thousands of miles away from the action.

Living in France as an American and pursuing an International MBA at the International School of Management has given me a unique lens through which to view this election and its global impact. As the news broke that Donald Trump had won the presidency, I found myself reflecting on what this means for international business, global markets, and the relationships between countries like the U.S. and France.

The U.S. elections are always a topic of interest worldwide, and this year was no exception. In the days following the election, the outcome was a huge topic of discussion over coffee with locals and expats alike, with conversations revolving how a shift in leadership might influence trade, investment, and diplomacy. Watching these conversations unfold in real-time added a layer of depth to my MBA studies that I never anticipated.

One thing I’ve noticed is how deeply interconnected our world is. From global markets reacting to election outcomes to policies shaping international trade, the decisions made in the U.S. ripple outward. Seeing this from a European perspective has reinforced the importance of understanding not just how politics influence business but also how these shifts impact relationships between countries and regions.

Immediately after the election results were announced, U.S. stock markets surged. The S&P 500 has seen huge gains over the last couple of weeks, mostly due to investor optimism about the President-elect’s proposed tax cuts, deregulation, and business-friendly policies.

Adding to the economic optimism, Bitcoin also rallied, nearing $100,000 as the cryptocurrency industry anticipated favorable regulations under the incoming administration.

Here in Europe, the reaction has been a little different – in some cases concerning. The euro has reached its lowest level in nearly two years against the dollar, mostly due to fears of new U.S. tariffs that could disrupt trade and weaken the European economy. These uncertainties are prompting aggressive monetary measures from the European Central Bank, including potential interest rate cuts to stabilize the economy. 

For European businesses, navigating these changes will require strategic adjustments in a rapidly shifting market environment.

The election’s influence extends beyond markets and into global security. Trump’s policies, which often prioritize U.S. interests first, are expected to stir up economic alliances and trade agreements around the world. For instance, in Europe, there’s growing concern about heightened tensions as Germany prepares for potential NATO deployments to counter the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

As I continue my studies here in France, I know that the election’s outcome will be a recurring topic of conversation in the months to come. Whether it’s discussing potential changes to trade agreements or debating the future of U.S.-EU relations, these discussions will undoubtedly shape how I approach my studies and future career.

For now, I feel fortunate to be living and studying at this intersection of global business and politics. Watching the election from afar has deepened my understanding of the interconnected world we live in—and reminded me why I chose to pursue my International MBA in the first place.