Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17, 2024.
For the past 3½ years, Vice President Harris has represented President Biden’s agenda globally, visiting 21 countries and collaborating with allies to combat authoritarianism.
However, as the Democratic presidential nominee, critical questions arise regarding Harris’s worldviews and her vision for U.S. foreign policy if elected this November.
This topic is likely to dominate the upcoming debate on Tuesday against former President Donald Trump. Republicans have criticized Harris for alleged foreign policy blunders during Biden’s administration, citing the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the surge of migrants at the southern border.
Trump remarked at a recent rally, “If Kamala wins, foreign leaders will treat America’s president as a joke.”
Vice President Harris at West Point’s graduation ceremony on May 27, 2023, where she became the first woman to address the military academy in its 221-year history.
Harris’s Vision in Contrast to Trump
In her efforts to distinguish her perspective on global affairs from Trump, Harris has subtly highlighted differences with Biden as well. Her recent address at the Democratic convention focused on her leadership style should she assume the presidency.
“As president, I will never waver in defense of America’s security and ideals, positioning the United States firmly in the ongoing struggle between democracy and tyranny,” Harris stated.
Earlier this year, at the Munich Security Conference, she told European leaders, “isolation is not insulation,” contrasting with Trump’s previous policies where tariffs were imposed on allies and threats to exit NATO were made.
On her first international call post-inauguration, Harris connected with the head of the World Health Organization, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign relations, as Trump had previously withdrawn from the organization during the pandemic.
Vice President Harris and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at the White House on July 25, 2024.
Differentiating from Biden
As vice president, Harris focused on Africa, a commitment Biden has yet to fulfill. An official from the administration emphasized her engagement with Global South nations.
Harris has echoed Biden’s policies on managing U.S.-China competition and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Regarding Gaza, a significant foreign policy challenge faced by the next administration, Harris expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also voicing concern for humanitarian issues confronting Palestinians. However, she has yet to clarify how her concern might impact policies.
Despite similar outlooks, aides note that Harris’s unique personal experiences influence her decisions. As the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, she brings a distinct worldview not bound by Cold War perspectives.
“She recognizes that the world has changed fundamentally, not only over the past 50 years but also within the last five,” McEldowney explained.
Harris during her tenure as a senator, establishing a reputation as a strong advocate for justice.
Harris’s time as a senator provided crucial insights into national security issues, particularly through her participation in investigations regarding Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
A Background Influencing Foreign Policy
Her prosecutorial background has shaped her foreign policy approach, focusing on international laws and norms, especially when working with Central American nations like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras on judicial security and rule of law.
Harris emphasizes the intersections of technology with foreign policy, directing her attention towards critical issues like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space exploration as essential components of future U.S. policy.
