The Republican candidate poses the biggest threat to the continent. But we’re also not prepared for a Kamala Harris win

I’ve just returned from Washington DC, where the level of anxiety about the presidential election is sky high. Almost as high as it is in Europe. Elections in the US are by far the most influential globally and the region that will be affected most is Europe (followed by Asia Pacific). The ripples from the election on security, the economy and democracy will be felt across the continent more than in any other part of the world.

Aware of this, European policymakers and pundits in Brussels and national capitals have been fretting for more than a year. But we have worried more than we have taken action. And we have focused on some possible repercussions more than others.

Nathalie Tocci is a Guardian Europe columnist