Who will lead a divided America and what world will they lead it in?

In short, while China is catching up fast and Russia remains strong, the US still has a lot of clout.

The dramatic events of July have only heightened interest, so in this August edition of Al Majalla, we feature November's elections as our cover story.

Assessing the candidates

A Harris victory would be historic. She would become the first woman—and the first woman of colour—to occupy the Oval Office. But who is she? What shaped her? What does she truly believe, and what does she plan to do?

Whether she builds on Joe Biden's campaign pillars or forges her own path is a question of huge interest to foreign policy analysts. Some feel she must balance her natural left-wing leanings to appeal to a broader electorate.

The foreign policy priorities she pursues—particularly in the Middle East—and how she stands on Israel, Palestine, and Iran, remains to be seen. Will it differ from her predecessor's, or will she follow in Joe's wake?

Likewise with Trump, will his near-death experience change his mind-set and alter his campaign strategy? Having previously targeted Biden's age and focus, it appears that he is now targeting Harris's ethnicity, so all the early signs suggest not.

Yet there are deeper questions. Can he shift the narrative from Harris's policies to Biden's legacy? What prompted his choice of JD Vance as running mate? What are Vance's connections to Silicon Valley and the world of tech?

Some wonder whether Trump's position on China and Russia differ from his first term, or what his Middle East priorities are beyond lancing Iran. More urgently, what—if anything—will he do to help rebuild the lives and homes of two million people in Gaza and prevent future crises?  

Our cover story delves into all these questions, explores the Trump/Harris contrasts, and ask whether the winner can bridge America's deep divides.

Beyond Washington

In addition to the elections, our August issue features a historical analysis of China-Israel relations, oscillating between political tension and commercial cooperation, plus Beijing's sponsorship of a Palestinian reconciliation deal that includes Hamas.

Moreover, we provide insights into the escalating Middle East tension between Israel and Iran, as well as the intelligence war Israel is waging (and winning) against Hezbollah, with several of the group's commanders now eliminated.

Taken together, these stories offer a comprehensive perspective on the complex geopolitical landscape within which America will elect a new president.

Also in this edition, we present a comprehensive examination of the contentious cross-border influence of the Velayat-e faqih, or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.

Additionally, we feature an exclusive interview with Fayeq Zaidan, the head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, who reveals that he was offered the role of prime minister three times, and three times refused it.

Fresh from doing battle to ensure the Iraqi judiciary's independence, he shares his vision for the country's relations with other Arab nations, the region, and the United States, while addressing concerns about Iraq's potential division.

Beyond the Middle East

Our August edition also looks at the latest situation in Sudan, where two warring generals continue their internal conflict, at the expense of millions of Sudanese.

This issue includes a report on the implications of the UN withdrawal, as well as an analysis of the current situation based on talks in Geneva and battles in Sudan.

To mark NATO's 75th anniversary and the Washington Summit, we engage in a debate about the alliance's future, balancing its role in Ukraine and beyond with an understanding of Russian concerns over its expansion in Europe.

Staying in Russia, we delve into the biography of Moscow's 'Iron Lady'—the governor of the Russian Central Bank—and explore how President Vladimir Putin relies on her expertise and decision-making.

We also examine the significance of the Electronic Games Championship in Saudi Arabia and the impact of climate change on tourists' behaviours.

Finally, we review three Arab science fiction (sci-fi) novels and talk to the Dutch candidate for a global literary award about the intersection of literature and politics.