Important Voter Issues 2024: Foreign Affairs and Policy

Introduction of the Issue

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, foreign policy remains a key battleground for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with each offering a starkly different vision for America’s role in the world. The U.S. faces numerous global challenges, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions with China, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and complex military and economic entanglements across the Middle East and Asia. The outcome of this election could fundamentally reshape how the U.S. engages with the world, determining whether America continues to embrace global leadership and multilateralism or pursues a more isolationist, nationalist approach.

Definition and Context

Foreign policy refers to the strategies a country uses to safeguard its national interests, maintain global stability, and engage with other nations. For the United States, this has traditionally meant leveraging its military, economic, and diplomatic power to influence global events. America’s foreign policy has been marked by alliances, leadership in international institutions like NATO and the UN, and active participation in global issues such as trade, climate change, and security.

In 2024, the U.S. faces a complex geopolitical environment. On one hand, Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens European security and has drawn the U.S. into a confrontation with Moscow. On the other, China’s rising economic and military power challenges American global supremacy. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains volatile, particularly with the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader instability. How the U.S. responds to these crises will depend largely on the next president’s foreign policy priorities.

Historical Background

American foreign policy has evolved significantly since the end of World War II. During the Cold War, the U.S. was a central player in the global contest between the Soviet Union and Western democracies, shaping international norms around security and economics. The post-Cold War era saw a brief period of U.S. dominance as the world’s sole superpower, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

However, the 21st century has brought new challenges. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the rise of China as a global economic and military power, and Russia’s actions in Europe and the Middle East have complicated the U.S.'s role on the world stage. 

One of the most pivotal recent moments came in 2021, during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Biden administration’s decision to end America’s longest war and pull out of Afghanistan in August 2021, after nearly two decades of military involvement, ended with the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power. The disastrous nature of the withdrawal left a deep mark on American public opinion, with many viewing it as a symbol of U.S. failure in foreign policy, particularly regarding military intervention and nation-building. The withdrawal sparked debate about the future of U.S. military engagements abroad and its broader role in international security.

This episode also played a significant role in shaping both Kamala Harris’s and Donald Trump’s foreign policy positions. For Trump, the withdrawal was emblematic of his "America First" approach, which focused on reducing U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts and prioritizing domestic concerns. His administration had already started negotiating the Taliban’s return to power as part of the 2020 Doha Agreement. Trump's position on foreign policy was clear: the U.S. should avoid “endless wars” and focus on protecting its own interests, and people.

Kamala Harris, who has been a key player in the Biden administration’s foreign policy, has taken a different approach, advocating for stronger global leadership, renewed alliances, and a more engaged U.S. presence on the world stage. While the Biden administration’s handling of Afghanistan was widely criticized, Harris has consistently supported the idea of reasserting American leadership and restoring credibility on the global stage through diplomacy, partnerships, and commitment to democratic values.

Moreover, the Trump administration’s policy decisions, such as withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, and challenging NATO allies to increase their defense spending, marked a departure from the traditional U.S. approach to international diplomacy. 

In contrast, Harris, as Vice President, has supported the Biden administration’s emphasis on rebuilding relationships with NATO, reaffirming U.S. commitments to democracy and human rights, and confronting global threats like Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and China’s growing assertiveness.

Scope of the Issue

In 2024, American foreign policy will be shaped by several key areas:

1. Ukraine and Russia: The ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia’s invasion has drawn U.S. military and financial support, will continue to dominate the foreign policy landscape. The debate over the level of U.S. involvement, both militarily and diplomatically, will be a crucial issue.

2. China: The U.S.-China rivalry, spanning economic, military, and technological domains, will continue to define U.S. foreign policy, particularly as China asserts itself more aggressively in the South China Sea and globally.

3. Israel-Hamas Conflict: The violence between Israel and Hamas has placed the U.S. squarely in the middle of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The Biden administration’s handling of the crisis has already become a point of contention, especially within the context of U.S. support for Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

4. Middle East Security: U.S. military presence in the Middle East, including its bases in the region and its alliances with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will remain a topic of debate, especially in light of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and broader efforts to recalibrate American military commitments.

Ideological Viewpoints and Candidates' Stances

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris’s foreign policy approach is deeply rooted in multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation. As Vice President, she has supported policies that emphasize restoring America’s leadership role in global affairs, working through alliances and international organizations. Harris is a staunch advocate for defending democratic values abroad, confronting authoritarian regimes, and prioritizing human rights.

Her approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict reflects a commitment to Israel’s security while also advocating for humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions to address the Palestinian situation. Harris supports a two-state solution, seeking to balance U.S. support for Israel with efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East.

The Afghanistan withdrawal remains a complex issue for Harris, as it reflects both the end of a long-standing U.S. military engagement and the challenges of executing a responsible exit. While she has defended the decision, she recognizes the strategic need to shift focus away from long-term military occupations and toward international diplomacy and defense partnerships.

On Russia and Ukraine, Harris has been a firm supporter of U.S. military and financial assistance to Ukraine, seeing it as essential to preserving European security and upholding the international order. She has also positioned herself as tough on China, condemning Beijing’s human rights violations, its assertiveness in the South China Sea, and its growing influence in global trade and technology.

Key Policy Areas for Harris:

• Ukraine: Strong support for continued U.S. aid and military assistance to Ukraine, viewing it as necessary for defending global democracy.

• China: Advocating for a strategic, multifaceted approach that balances competition and cooperation, especially in trade and security.

• Middle East: Support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while calling for a renewed focus on a two-state solution and humanitarian support for Palestinians.

• Military Engagement: Continued American leadership in NATO, with a focus on rebuilding alliances and using diplomacy alongside military strength.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s foreign policy is defined by his "America First" ideology, which emphasizes unilateral action, economic pragmatism, and a focus on reducing U.S. military entanglements abroad. Trump’s presidency was marked by a questioning of U.S. commitments to international alliances and agreements, preferring direct, bilateral negotiations and prioritizing U.S. economic interests over global cooperation.

Trump’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict is pro-Israel, with a clear emphasis on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorist attacks. However, his broader policy toward the Middle East sought to reduce U.S. military presence, focusing on security cooperation with allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, while seeking to withdraw from "endless wars."

In Afghanistan, Trump’s foreign policy was centered around reducing U.S. military commitments. His administration brokered the 2020 Doha Agreement with the Taliban, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a move that Harris and the Biden administration would later implement. Trump has defended the withdrawal as a necessary step to end the costly war, but the chaotic execution of the pullout has provided critics with ammunition against his foreign policy record.

Trump’s approach to Russia has been controversial, with his critics accusing him of being overly lenient toward Vladimir Putin. However, Trump has emphasized the need for a stronger stance on defense spending by NATO allies and pushing for better trade deals that benefit U.S. interests.

Key Policy Areas for Trump:

• Ukraine: Skeptical of U.S. involvement, calling for a negotiated settlement while insisting that Europe should bear more of the burden.

• China: A hardline stance on trade, tariffs, and human rights abuses, prioritizing economic pressure over diplomacy.

• Middle East: Strong pro-Israel rhetoric, but a general focus on reducing U.S. military presence and engagements in the region.

• Military Engagement: A focus on ending “endless wars” and focusing on securing U.S. interests without extensive overseas military deployments.

Areas of Debate

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, American foreign policy remains a central point of division between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Their differing approaches to key global issues will shape the future direction of U.S. engagement with the world. Here are the critical areas of debate that are expected to dominate the foreign policy discourse during the election season:

1. U.S. Military Engagement and Global Presence

• The Debate: Should the U.S. continue its global military engagements, such as maintaining a significant presence in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East? Or should the U.S. focus on reducing its military footprint, ending "endless wars," and shifting the burden of defense onto allies? The future of U.S. military alliances, particularly with NATO and in the Pacific, will be a critical issue for both candidates.

2. Support for Ukraine and Russia’s Aggression

• The Debate: Should the U.S. maintain or increase its support for Ukraine, providing more military aid and financial assistance to help the country defend itself from Russian aggression? Or should the U.S. adopt a more cautious stance, limiting its involvement and encouraging Europe to take a greater role in addressing the Russian threat? The effectiveness of U.S. policy in deterring further Russian expansion and its broader implications for European security will be central to the debate.

3. Middle East Policy and the Israel-Hamas Conflict

• The Debate: Should the U.S. continue its unwavering support for Israel, particularly in its right to self-defense against Hamas and other militant groups? Or should the U.S. pursue a more balanced approach, advocating for a more active role in promoting peace between Israel and Palestine while addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza? The level of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, especially with regard to Israel and the Palestinian territories, will be a key area of contention.

4. China: Strategic Competition and Global Influence

• The Debate: Should the U.S. adopt a confrontational stance toward China, particularly in trade, military presence in the Indo-Pacific, and its human rights record? Or should the U.S. seek to balance competition with cooperation, engaging China on global issues like climate change and public health while standing firm in areas like security and human rights? The broader question is whether China should be viewed primarily as a strategic competitor or as a partner in addressing global challenges.

5. Trade Policy and Economic Nationalism

• The Debate: Should the U.S. continue to prioritize free trade and multilateral economic engagement, working with allies to address global economic challenges, or should it focus on economic nationalism, prioritizing tariffs, trade barriers, and renegotiating international agreements to protect American jobs and industry? The future of U.S. trade policy—whether it focuses on expanding international partnerships or pursuing more protectionist measures—will be a key issue in the election.

6. The Future of NATO and International Alliances

• The Debate: Should the U.S. continue to invest heavily in NATO and other international alliances, or should it reassess its commitments to these organizations? Is NATO still a vital part of U.S. national security, or should the U.S. focus more on bilateral defense agreements or regional coalitions? The future of multilateral defense structures will be a key issue for voters, as the U.S. grapples with the shifting global security landscape.

7. Immigration and Refugee Policy

• The Debate: Should the U.S. maintain its long-standing tradition of providing asylum to refugees and working with international organizations to address global displacement? Or should immigration policy be more restrictive, focusing on national security and limiting the number of refugees and asylum seekers? The role of the U.S. in global humanitarian efforts and its approach to migration will continue to be a contentious issue in the election.

Bibliography

1. Estrin, Daniel. “How The Next U.S. President Could Change the Course of Israel’s Wars.” NPR, 1 Nov. 2024, www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5170303/2024-election-israel-gaza-lebanon-harris-trump-netanyahu.

2. “Kamala Harris’s Foreign Policy Positions.” Council on Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/election2024/candidate-tracker/kamala-harris.

3. “Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Positions.” Council on Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/election2024/candidate-tracker/donald-trump.

4. Panda, Ankit. “Trump’s Foreign Policy Moments.” Council on Foreign Relations, 13 Dec. 2017, www.cfr.org/timeline/trumps-foreign-policy-moments.

5.  “The 2024 Candidates on Foreign Policy.” Council on Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/election2024/candidate-tracker.

6. Rivera, Anthony, et al. “Kamala Harris’s foreign policy, explained.” The Washington Post, 10 Sept. 2024, www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2023/presidential-candidates-2024-policies-issues/kamala-harris-foreign-policy.

7. “Foreign Policy – the White House.” The White House, 30 Oct. 2020, trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/foreign-policy.