WASHINGTON, USA: Vice President Kamala Harris, as Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to largely follow President Joe Biden’s foreign policy strategies on major issues like Ukraine, China, and Iran.
Analysts suggest that a Harris administration would mirror Biden’s in supporting NATO and backing Ukraine against Russia. Her tenure as vice president has provided her with valuable experience and relationships with global leaders, enhancing her ability to handle international affairs effectively.
Harris’ commitment to NATO was evident in her strong speech at the Munich Security Conference, where she condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reaffirmed the U.S.’s “ironclad” respect for NATO’s mutual defence clause. This indicates her likely continuation of Biden’s policies towards Ukraine and Russia.
Tackling the China Challenge
On China, Harris has positioned herself within the bipartisan mainstream, advocating for confronting Beijing’s influence while also seeking areas for cooperation. During a trip to Jakarta for an ASEAN summit, she accused China of coercing smaller neighbors with its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Harris has also worked to strengthen alliances with key Asian partners like Japan and South Korea, reflecting a consistent approach to countering China’s regional ambitions.
Navigating the Middle East, Israel and Gaza Conflict
A Harris presidency might introduce a tougher tone regarding Israel’s actions, particularly in the Gaza conflict. While she has supported Israel’s right to self-defence, Harris has also criticized Israel’s military tactics, calling for more efforts to alleviate humanitarian crises in Palestinian territories. This could signal a shift towards a stronger rhetorical stance on Israel compared to Biden, especially concerning the Gaza war and its impact on civilians.
Despite this, analysts do not foresee a major change in U.S. policy towards Israel, given its status as a key ally. Harris’ support for Israel has been consistent with Biden’s, though her closer ties to Democratic progressives might lead to calls for conditionality on U.S. military aid to Israel.
Addressing Iran’s Nuclear Threat
The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear advancements is likely to be a significant challenge for a Harris administration. Following Biden’s stance, Harris would likely continue to oppose Iran’s nuclear weaponization and maintain a firm position against Tehran’s regional ambitions. The Biden administration’s reluctance to re-engage in nuclear negotiations with Iran might persist under Harris unless substantial concessions are made by Tehran.
US-Mexico Border Issues
A notable vulnerability for Harris is the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, which has been a contentious issue during Biden’s presidency. Tasked with addressing the root causes of irregular migration, Harris has been a focal point of Republican criticism. This issue could be a significant hurdle in her campaign against Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has consistently highlighted border security as a top priority.
Kamala Harris, as the Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to largely continue Joe Biden’s foreign policy approaches while potentially adopting a tougher stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Her administration would likely maintain strong support for NATO, counter China’s influence, and oppose Iran’s nuclear ambitions, all while navigating the complex issue of U.S.-Mexico border security.