What We’re Learning About Kamala Harris’s Foreign Policy
Aug 23, 2024
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Matt Duss, a former foreign-policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, former director of policy planning at the State Department, dive into Kamala Harris's evolving foreign policy. They discuss her balancing act in Middle Eastern politics, navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The duo also highlights her pro-worker agenda, challenges with immigration, and the delicate U.S.-China relations, all while emphasizing the need for a pragmatic, rules-based approach to global interactions.
Kamala Harris's foreign policy suggests a focus on balancing military strength with humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Her approach to global leadership emphasizes collaboration with allies on various issues, including climate change and authoritarianism, while prioritizing regions like Africa and Latin America.
Deep dives
Democratic National Convention Highlights
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago showcased a vibrant atmosphere featuring music, celebrities, and powerful speeches aimed at unifying the party around its chosen nominee. The event highlighted a broad representation of the Democratic spectrum, in contrast to the Republican National Convention, which lacked prominent figures. Key figures, including two former presidents and the current president, spoke to galvanize support among party members and the public. The convention strategically aimed to generate excitement and strengthen party unity, positioning the Democrats against the threats posed by autocracy and authoritarianism under Trump.
Vice President Harris's Policy Stance
Vice President Kamala Harris focused on a strong defense stance in her speech, emphasizing support for Ukraine while also addressing concerns about Trump’s connections to global dictators. She underscored her commitment to military strength and security in the face of threats from countries like Iran and North Korea, though China was notably absent from her comments. Harris articulated her approach to the Middle East, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict, signaling a desire for Israeli security and Palestinian rights, but providing vague details on future actions. Observers noted her delicate balance between asserting a tough stance and addressing humanitarian concerns regarding Palestinians.
Debate on Middle East Policy
There appears to be a division within the Democratic Party concerning Harris's position on Middle East policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. Some analysts expressed disappointment in her lack of specificity when addressing Palestinian rights in contrast to her firm support for Israel, suggesting an ongoing struggle to unify the party's factions. This raises questions about how effectively Harris can represent more progressive elements while maintaining party support. Moving forward, there are expectations for continued dialogue on the issue, especially as the conflict evolves, and how this will affect her standings among different voter demographics.
Emerging Themes in Harris's Foreign Policy
Harris’s potential foreign policy themes indicate an integrated approach that addresses various global threats, including geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian issues. She affirmed a commitment to global leadership, particularly in areas like climate change and international development, while maintaining a tough stance on authoritarian regimes. This pragmatism suggests a focus on collaboration with allies rather than ideological conflicts, potentially leading to a reevaluation of traditional foreign policy strategies. With a diverse background, Harris is expected to prioritize regions like Africa and Latin America in foreign relations, addressing concerns that extend beyond conventional geopolitical priorities.
The Democratic National Convention concluded Thursday night with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the party’s nomination. What did we learn about a potential Harris foreign policy?
Matt Duss, former foreign-policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, former director of policy planning at the State Department, join FP Live to unpack this week’s DNC.