Former US Secretary of State John Kerry offered a candid assessment of the political landscape at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS2024) in New Delhi. Speaking in conversation with Navtej Sarna, author, columnist, and former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Kerry highlighted the inherent unpredictability of President-elect Donald Trump, stating, “Everybody in the world has learnt that it is very hard to predict anything about President Trump…And that unpredictability is something that he cultivates and appreciates in himself.”
Kerry’s remarks were delivered during the 22nd edition of the HTLS, a prestigious event bringing together global dignitaries, industry leaders, and media professionals to celebrate the Hindustan Times’ centennial anniversary. The summit itself was marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s keynote address, where he commemorated the newspaper’s century-long legacy with the unveiling of a commemorative stamp. PM Modi extended his congratulations to everyone involved in the Hindustan Times’ journey.
Turning to the recently concluded US Presidential elections, Kerry pinpointed inflation and immigration as the two dominant issues. He observed that while inflation improved under the Biden administration, the perception of this improvement didn’t adequately reach the American public. “In the US Presidential elections, the two biggest issues were – Inflation and Immigration. The inflation under the Biden administration got better but there was a lack of felt need,” Kerry explained.
The former Secretary of State also shared his perspective on the complex situation in the Middle East. He predicted significant shifts in the region, some positive and some negative, acknowledging the evolving dynamics. Kerry noted the challenges currently facing Israel, a nation that traditionally advocated for a two-state solution with Palestine. He emphasized the considerable time and effort required to rebuild trust with the Palestinian people, stating, “Building trust among Palestinians will take a lot of time.” Kerry served as the 68th United States Secretary of State under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.
Highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza, Kerry painted a grim picture. He described the situation as one where “there is not much left,” emphasizing the desperate plight of the people and their unwillingness to be displaced. This resonates with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s earlier remarks at the summit, where he linked Trump’s victory to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among American voters regarding the consequences of globalization. Minister Jaishankar pointed towards the undercurrents of disenchantment among those feeling left behind by global economic and social changes, effectively mirroring Kerry’s analysis of the election’s key drivers.
Kerry’s insights provide valuable context to the current global political climate, underscoring the complexities of international relations and the challenges of navigating unpredictable political landscapes. His comments serve as a potent reminder of the intertwined nature of domestic and international affairs and the ongoing need for effective diplomacy and global cooperation.
