ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
In President Trump’s State of the Union Address message, we analysed the international agenda of the U.S. in relation to the rest of the world – Africa.
The second State of the Union Address was delivered today (6 February 2019, 3:00 am WAT) by President Donald Trump. This annual message is delivered at the beginning of the year by the president in a joint session of the congress. The message gives a sense of direction of what the U.S. will focus on in the year ahead. World leaders can sense the international priorities of the U.S. government by looking at its budget message and economic report.
INCREASING EXPORT OF U.S. ENERGY
In his address, we analysed that the president is making good progress with his strategy of increasing the exportation of commodities. One of which is the statement of fact that the U.S is now the biggest exporter of energy in the world. In essence, increasing competition for Africa’s oil barons whose economy are highly dependent on crude oil exports. We recall that Nigeria (Africa’s biggest economy) had struggled selling its commodity to European and Asian economy due to increased competition from America.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE & STABILITY
One major drawback was the withdrawal of the United States Government from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty or INF Treaty. The treaty is between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles.
This withdrawal posses a treat to world peace! Considering the fact that the U.S. is the world police, ensuring peace and stability across the globe. However, the president did make an indication of a possible new treaty that will feature more countries like China, and North Korea. While on the subject, He praised his commitment for increasing funding from NATO allies. This $100 billion dollars increase in funding is building a state-of-the-art missile defence system.
SUPPORTING WOMEN ACROSS THE GLOBE
The president also showed his strong support for woman in government. The U.S. government currently has more women in the workforce than ever before. He also showed that the government is making strong progress tackling international women trafficking. Women trafficking for sex slavery is a major crisis in African nations. Every year, traffickers deceive women from African nations with the promise of a better life. Therefore, president in his message has showed his government’s strong commitment to tracking this issue.
RE-NEGOTIATING INTERNATIONAL TRADE DEALS
The government showed its strong commitment to negotiating and stopping unfair trade deals with China and across the world. President Trump is pioneering Made in the U.S.A vehicles, which will most likely see more American vehicles promoted across Africa. Currently, African nations like Ghana prefer importing used cars from America due to their high resell value. Because, they are usually well maintained and of a good standard.
See the full video here