Adil Najam Provides Expert Commentary on Trump-Harris Debate

Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus and Professor at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, offered live commentary on the Trump-Harris debate for Geo TV News, Pakistan’s largest TV network. His analysis provided a global perspective on the debate, focusing on its international ramifications and offering insights into the complexities of U.S. election dynamics for a non-American audience.

Najam highlighted Trump’s notable return to the political scene after the Capitol riot controversy. He explained that many thought Trump’s career was over after the events of January 6, but his reemergence in the political landscape has been strong. Reflecting on the previous debate between Trump and Biden, Najam observed how Trump had dominated to the point where Biden appeared less visible, setting the stage for Harris to now step up as the Democratic nominee.

Throughout the debate, both candidates exchanged sharp criticisms of each other’s policies. Najam pointed out Trump’s claim that the Israel-Hamas conflict would not have escalated under his leadership, while Harris focused on addressing the challenges inherited from Trump’s administration. Najam noted that Harris appeared confident and well-prepared, often acting preemptively before Trump could mount his attacks. He commented on the anticipation surrounding Harris, particularly as many were curious to see whether she could respond effectively to Trump’s assertive style.

One of the central themes in Najam’s analysis was Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, a subject with significant geopolitical resonance for viewers in Pakistan and neighboring countries. He emphasized how this topic continues to shape regional dynamics, with Harris defending the decision amidst ongoing debate. Najam also touched on Trump’s labeling of Harris as a “Marxist,” acknowledging Harris’ composed response in the face of such accusations.

Najam emphasized the debate’s relevance for undecided voters, especially those who may be disillusioned with Trump but unfamiliar with Harris. He explained that while the debate may not sway committed supporters, it could have an impact on those in the middle, who are weighing their options.

In his commentary, Najam also explored the candidates’ stances on key international issues. He pointed out that both Trump and Harris expressed strong support for Israel, which may have left some voters frustrated, particularly those concerned with Gaza and Palestine.

Najam stressed the global significance of U.S. elections, noting that they invariably affect the rest of the world, impacting international diplomacy, trade policies, and strategic alliances. His insights helped contextualize the debate for non-U.S. viewers, highlighting the interconnectedness of global politics.

Drawing an analogy to cricket, Najam compared the debate to a cricket match, where each over plays a role, but the final result is what truly counts. He suggested that while Harris may have come out stronger in this debate, the real decision will be made when Americans cast their votes on November 5.

The full commentary, including pre-debate and post-debate analysis, is available on YouTube, offering viewers a chance to gain deeper insights into this significant political event from an international relations expert.

Adil Najam is Dean Emeritus and Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He served as the Inaugural Dean of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies from 2014-2022. He is also a former Vice-Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Read more about Najam on his Pardee School faculty profile.