According to polls, the people in America do not pay attention to foreign policy or national security when voting for president. However, in the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are the two main candidates who are likely to replace Joe Biden. Both see the world is very important to people outside the United States. Many in Britain are worried about the US future and curious about who will win the race and become the next president. They also think that the US will continue supporting Ukraine or if we could face a Russian victory and serious problems within NATO.
All of these concerns become the harsh reality of the future, especially if Donald Trump, known for his ultra-nationalist and dictator-friendly views, wins another term. Furthermore, Kamala Harris also has her thoughts about the global. In the Chicago event, she recently accepted the democratic nomination. If she wins on November 5th, her decisions as the leader of one of the world’s most powerful countries will have a big impact on the future of international relations.
Some might mistakenly think that the Democrat, a former Californian prosecutor and one-term US senator, doesn’t have enough knowledge and experience to handle the power. On the other hand, Donald Trump also got criticism because of his way that seems sexist, calling her a “lightweight” with a “low IQ.” These comments are not true. Harris made good use of her time in the Senate. She gained knowledge in different areas, such as AI, cybersecurity, and space. She fulfilled her responsibility in a good way as a vice president. She is the one who led important events like the Global Summit on AI Safety and the Cop28 climate conference, demonstrating her leadership.
Harris and Biden both have the same foreign policy perspectives. These strategies might disappoint progressives who want more change. For example, when she stands in favour of Palestine’s self-determination, her stance lacks details. Also, her support for Isealis was firm and unwavering. There are also many doubts about her climate strategies. As no one knows how strongly she will push for climate goals important to younger voters.
In order to highlight America’s greatness, she used strong patriotic language in her Chicago speech. She clearly said that in the 21st century, she wants the US to become the leader, not China, repeating ideas from both Biden and Trump. She talked about the importance of freedom and also warned all those who strongly support Trump’s views.
Earlier this year, at the Munich Security Conference, before she entered the presidential race, Harris shared her views on global issues. She said that it all depends upon the United States to keep fighting for democracy or accept the dictator’s voice. She also said that the US should lead the world because of its capabilities.
This stance must strengthen the views of countries that decided to not support the United States. It includes Britain, the EU, and Eastern European countries. It’s also a relief for Ukraine, which fears Trump almost as much as Putin. However, it’s unclear if Harris will stick to her position. Will she move away from Biden’s simple view of the world as divided between democracies and autocracies, and consider those in between, like reformers in Iran who want better relations with the West?
If Kamala Harris again the power then it greatly impact the US foreign and security policies. Michael Hirsh, a Foreign Policy columnist, pointed out that Harris is preparing herself well for modern security issues due to her work on the Senate Intelligence Committee and her understanding of Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election.
Hirsh believes that Harris is ahead of older leaders like Biden in grasping today’s high-tech security challenges. These include cyber threats, such as hacking into elections, foreign spying, and risks from space like disruptions to GPS systems. She also faces new dangers from advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
These new threats add to ongoing global challenges from countries such as China and Russia. Harris’s presidency would need to deal with these complex international issues and manage domestic pressure to handle global affairs more cautiously and cost-effectively. Philip Gordon, a veteran diplomat and likely advisor to Harris, is rethinking America’s role in the world since World War II.
