Politics students at the University of Stirling are taking part in an international live streaming event offering unique analysis on the US election in real time.
The 24-hour online show which will be broadcast on 3 November – the day of the election – involves 13 universities from countries including; the UK, America, New Zealand, India and Brazil, and is the first global intra-university initiative of its kind.
It will give academic experts and students the chance to debate and scrutinise the 2020 Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Organised by the University of South Wales with the support of former BBC producer Susan Weber, Decision 2020 – Academic Live Review will see each student team working remotely from their own institutions and given a 90-minute segment in the show to comment on their particular subject and expertise. This can include videos to introduce themselves, one-to-one interviews, a panel discussion, and pre-recorded expert contributions.
The University of Stirling’s segment will focus on the implications of the election on global order and security and will be broadcast on youtube from 7:35am on Wednesday 4 November.
4th year Politics and Philosophy student
For me, as an American and as a Politics student, this election is particularly interesting. The result will have a far-reaching impact and what we’ll be focusing on during our segment is the effect on global security – will the US be less safe under another four years of Donald Trump?
Jacob Robinett, a 4th year Politics and Philosophy student who is originally from Missouri, is producing Stirling’s contribution. He said: “For me, as an American and as a Politics student, this election is particularly interesting. The result will have a far-reaching impact and what we’ll be focusing on during our segment is the effect on global security – will the US be less safe under another four years of Donald Trump?
“Decision 2020 represents the first big collaboration of universities and students to provide academic analysis of a major political event. Elections are famous for their propaganda - this is an opportunity to hear unbiased academic analysis of the major policies at play and I’m hopeful it’s a format that can be repeated to cover other important elections.”
Dr Megan Dee, Programme Director for BA(hons) International Politics at University of Stirling, said, “Stirling’s segment will cover a wide range of security issues – ranging from US relations with Russia, China, and the Middle East, to more policy specific points of focus on environmental and nuclear politics.
“There’s little doubt this election will have significant bearing on international politics and our students are really excited to be contributing to the global debate around these issues.”
Susanne Weber, the event’s Executive Producer and skills development lead, said. “Throughout the event we’ll be keeping an eye on international rolling news coverage and looking for responses to the breaking headlines from those involved.
“It’s possible there’ll be a confirmed winner, or there could be no result and counting of mail ballots could make it impossible to name a victor until the end of November. It’s even possible that one candidate could declare himself winner in spite of losing or ‘no result’, which could potentially lead to protests and counter-protests.”
Dr Dee added: “Whatever happens, it’s going to be a great opportunity for experts and students to join forces to analyse an event which will have a huge impact on many millions, even billions, of lives across the globe.”