While you maybe right abut the impact of US elections but I kind of doubt it. I think this view comes from the fact that we see others actions through our own perspective, i.e. the US elections are of major importance to us therefore we assume they are to others as well. However other actors have their own motivations and influences which are much more significant to them.

Add to that the fact that the differences between any of the likely presidential nominees are pretty small.

No doubt they watch the elections but I doubt it is a deciding factor.