Elections in the United States are about to begin soon. However, New Zealand’s center-right government wants Kamala Harris, a Democrat, to win. Her victory proves beneficial for New Zealand. Since World War II, this nation has always played an important role in peacefully working with other nations. This quality of New Zealand maintains strong ties with the US, even as the government changes.
Nowadays, New Zealand’s government has a good understanding of the current US government. The United States is one of the important trade partners; New Zealand is the 3rd-largest export market. Through the Five Eyes group, both nations also share intelligence. The main purpose of New Zealand’s government is to grow current ties with the US and its allies.
However, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both have different opinions regarding US foreign policy. This is why this upcoming election campaign in the US on November 5, will shape the relationship between the US and New Zealand. Is this partnership moving forward or diminishing over time?
Trump, the Republican candidate, is not in favor of international groups unless they prove beneficial for US interests. He has aimed to limit migration and free trade to reduce the impact of globalization. He presented an idea named “America first.” According to it, he wanted to bring back the US, which had full control over its matters and could act without limits. His main purpose is to increase the power of the US.
On the other hand, Harris’ approach is more traditional. She wants to collaborate with foreign nations because Harris knows the value of international allies. She also has the concept that working together with other nations is crucial. This is because, alone, the US cannot solve global problems.
Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will have a great impact on New Zealand’s foreign policy. However, Trump’s strategy is less cooperative with foreign nations, while Harris has wanted to join with foreign nations to solve global issues. So, New Zealand will be required to adjust its foreign policy depending on who becomes the next president of the United States.
Trumps want to collaborate with nations who have strong power.
This approach makes it harder for smaller nations such as New Zealand to say on global complexities. New Zealand collaborates with Pacific Island nations, providing them with help and building strong ties.
Furthermore, foreign policy under the Hrris leadership may promote these efforts.
Biden helped re-connect the US with the Pacific, creating the U.S.-Pacific Islands Summit and providing $800 million for aid and climate help. It’s unclear if Trump would continue to support this support. He might also pull out of the Paris Climate Accord, again undoing the progress Biden made by rejoining it.
New Zealand wants to strengthen its ties with China because this nation is a good trade partner. At the same time, New Zealand also has a desire to strengthen its partnership with the US.
Since March 2023, New Zealand has thought about joining the AUKUS security partnership. The partnership focuses on sharing advanced defense technology to fight China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it remains unclear how China would react to this potential move.
New Zealand is also very interested in helping Ukraine fight Russian attacks. This is more like US Vice President Harris’ promise to help Ukraine get its land back. In contrast, Trump’s idea of quickly ending the war may only happen if he agrees to some of Putin’s demands.
Trump and Harris do not have many serious personal conflicts instead of Gaza and Lebanon. Harris thinks a complete stand-by with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not a good scheme for the US because US foreign policy should meditate on world tradition and for the sake of international law. Although it is hard for Trump to give a back push to Netanyahu’s support, he will increase this likeness.
Normally, the foreign relationship of New Zealand is compatible with Harris instead of Trump. But if Harris wins, there will not be a betterment in the US and New Zealand’s relationship. The power of the US as a role model for other countries and its ability to turn down decisions can make the relationship between the two nations curb.
