Bipartisan Empire: Foreign Policy, Regional War, and the 2024 Election
Nov 5, 2024
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Join historian Stephen Wertheim, Arab American Institute's Maya Berry, and national security reporter Spencer Ackerman as they dissect the foreign policy visions of Trump and Harris ahead of the 2024 election. They delve into how recent events in Gaza are reshaping voter sentiments, particularly among Arab and Muslim Americans. The trio also examines the bipartisan consensus on military dominance, the electoral implications of U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting dynamics in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel and Palestine.
The contrasting foreign policy visions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump reveal a significant shift in Arab American voter support as they become more divided in the upcoming 2024 election.
Maya Berry emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse identities within the Arab American community to effectively engage with this critical voting bloc.
The panelists advocate for a transformative U.S. foreign policy approach prioritizing diplomacy and addressing humanitarian issues amid rising global conflicts.
Deep dives
Foreign Policy Perspectives in the Upcoming Election
The podcast discusses the contrasting foreign policy visions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as the 2024 election approaches. Harris is portrayed as adhering to traditional bipartisan foreign policy focused on maintaining U.S. global dominance and supporting Israel's military actions, while Trump is gaining unexpected support from some Arab and Muslim voters by criticizing neoconservatism and presenting himself as a peace candidate. The hosts highlight a shift in Arab American voter support, showcasing a recent poll that shows Trump and Harris nearly tied among Arab voters for the first time. This dynamic indicates significant political changes in voter sentiment and the implications for both candidates as they navigate their platforms.
Changing Landscape of Arab American Voting Patterns
Maya Berry emphasizes the uniqueness of Arab American demographics, particularly in Michigan, where they represent a significant voting bloc. Recently, a poll revealed that, post-October 7 attacks, more Arab Americans identified as Republicans than Democrats for the first time in decades, highlighting a shift in political allegiance partly due to dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's foreign policy. Berry cautions against conflating Arab American and Muslim voter identities, noting that the majority of Arab Americans are Christian, further complicating perceptions and voting behavior. She argues that meaningful engagement and acknowledgment of their diverse issues are critical for both parties to court this important electorate.
The Bipartisan Consensus on U.S. Foreign Policy
The discussion outlines a bipartisan consensus on maintaining U.S. military primacy globally, particularly in the Middle East, with both candidates largely aligned in their commitment to this framework. Harris continues Biden's inherited policies, upholding U.S. support for Israel, while Trump articulates a transactional approach towards allies, except when it comes to Israel. Both candidates are criticized for not offering substantial policy shifts to reflect the evolving landscape of American public opinion regarding foreign engagements. This continuation of an orthodox approach may not resonate with voters seeking change amid a backdrop of global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza.
Impact of Domestic Politics on Foreign Policy Decisions
A crucial theme addressed is the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy, particularly how both candidates' strategies are influenced by their need to appeal to specific voter bases. Harris's reluctance to break from Biden's policies is analyzed as a means to avoid alienating critical voting groups, including Jewish voters, while simultaneously trying to court disillusioned Republicans. This focus on electoral viability has, however, created a sense of cognitive dissonance among voters who increasingly disapprove of current U.S. policies, especially regarding Israel and Gaza. With shifting voter sentiments, both Harris and Trump face the challenge of presenting policies that align better with an electorate that is becoming more aware and critical of longstanding foreign engagements.
Calls for a New Approach in U.S. Foreign Policy
The need for a transformative approach to U.S. foreign policy is highlighted as both urgent and necessary in addressing current global crises. Panelists call for a reevaluation of America's role in the Middle East, especially in light of humanitarian issues arising from the ongoing conflicts. Emphasizing the implications of climate change and energy security, they suggest that a new policy framework should prioritize diplomacy over military interventions and shift towards peace-building initiatives. The discussion raises critical questions about the sustainability of current policies and the potential pathways for change that could resonate with contemporary American values and global realities.
On this special episode of On the Nose—recorded live on November 4th at McNally Jackson Books in Manhattan—Jewish Currents senior reporter Alex Kane hosts a discussion about foreign policy and the 2024 presidential election. Historian Stephen Wertheim, Arab American Institute executive director Maya Berry, and national security reporter Spencer Ackerman discuss Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s foreign policy visions, regional war in the Middle East, and the bipartisan consensus on upholding US empire.
Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).
