How it looks from here | openDemocracy

“Only war makes it possible to mobilize all of today’s technical resources while maintaining the property system.”

- Walter Benjamin, 1936

Once more, without passion?

David Krivanek 6 November 2012

In a few hours, the world will finally know if Barack Obama or Mitt Romney will be the next President of the United States. Our 'How it looks from here' series concludes with a tour d'horizon around the globe - what are people thinking as they await the outcome?

Shaking the 'foreign hand': a view from India

Antara Dev Sen 6 November 2012

India has had a complicated relationship with the United States for most of its independent history. Things are better now - but Indians still do watch the election closely, fearing a return to old tensions.

The US 2012 Election and China: why a real dialogue about human rights will never happen

Antony Ou 6 November 2012

Despite a prominent presence in the campaign, US policy towards China is very unlikely to change - especially on the hyper-sensitive topic of human rights.

The American election: a view from Down Under

Liam O'Brien 6 November 2012

As a somewhat reluctant member of the American orbit in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia carefully watches the election – amused but slightly worried by its "cranks and crazies" (as the Australian treasurer recently called the Tea Party).

Hurricane Sandy: Romney's missed opportunity

Jennifer Weiss and Leonard Benardo 5 November 2012

Mitt Romney's lackluster response to Hurricane Sandy has been a wasted opportunity, both for his campaign and, more importantly, for the hard-hit people on the East Coast.

United colours of the American elections - in three continents

Tani Bhargava and Rajeev Bhargava 5 November 2012

"Many temples in South India held prayers for Obama’s victory in the 2008 elections. Haven’t heard of any this time round. Here is one from me, after four encounters on three continents."

Poland and the US elections: respect for an ally

Adam J Chmielewski 5 November 2012

Poland is less engaged with this American election than on previous occasions. But its people and elites are still viewing the contest and its candidates with a wary eye that reflects their domestic political concerns, says Adam J Chmielewski.

The US elections: a view from Latin America

Jorge Heine 5 November 2012

It has been this year's most notable absentee: whatever happened to Latin America as a theme in the presidential campaign?

Germany, Europe and the presidential election

Brigitte Weiffen 5 November 2012

The majority of Germans view the United States, the “land of unlimited opportunities”, with a lot of sympathy. But their perception of American politics is more problematic.

What can be done about vote counting fraud in the US elections?

Cynthia Boaz 5 November 2012

The consensus is that this presidential election may all come down to Ohio and a few other “swing” states, as in 2000 and 2004. If there are any voting irregularities to be found this time around, Ohio will be the place to look first.

The presidential election and the future of US-Tunisian relations

Sana Ajmi 2 November 2012

The oppressed people of Tunisia have long envied western democracy. Now that they've regained their freedom and had their own democratic elections, do Tunisians cast a more critical look on the American vote?

The US elections - as seen from India

Rengaraj Viswanathan 1 November 2012

In India, people are amused and puzzled, depressed and disinterested and occasionally inspired by the long and loud, colorful and typical American show that goes by the name of the presidential election.

Concern and frustration in the Gulf

Muath Al Wari 1 November 2012

America is still the Gulf states' indispensable ally, but the indecisiveness of Obama's policy in the Middle East is starting to foster frustration and concern in the Gulf capital cities. This is where Romney might have a card to play.

The least bad: the US elections from Israel-Palestine

Antonio Ungar 31 October 2012

For Palestinians and Israelis, a Democrat victory would be bad and a Republican victory worse. While Obama continues to seduce the deluded among us, Romney is making lethal calculations

A view from Spain: why Obama deserves a second chance

Cristina Manzano 31 October 2012

In Spain, any piece of news that distracts the attention from the economic, social and political crisis is welcome these days. For a country that has never shown too much interest in international affairs, the US presidential campain represents a traditional exception.

This week's editor

Niki Seth-Smith is a freelance journalist and co-editor of OurKingdom.

Europe from the bottom up

European Union stars in Paris. Flickr/notarim. Some rights reserved.

A new Europe can only come from the bottom up
Etienne Balibar

A social Europe must be a political Europe
Bo Stråth

As Europe is provincialized: a reply to Etienne Balibar
Sandro Mezzadra

European debate

A republican call for a basic income
Daniel Raventos and Julie Wark

Nuclear non-proliferation

Women and the Arab Spring

oDRussia at journalismfestival .com

Mali - the plot thickens

Remote control war

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