The United States’ role on the global stage is a defining aspect of its leadership and influence worldwide. In the 2024 presidential election, the foreign policy approaches of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris present starkly different visions for America’s engagement with the world. This article explores and compares their foreign policy strategies, focusing on key areas such as alliances, trade, national security, and international diplomacy.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach
Donald Trump’s foreign policy is characterized by a nationalist, “America First” philosophy, which emphasizes protecting American interests, reducing overseas commitments, and challenging traditional alliances and global institutions. His approach is often unilateral, seeking to renegotiate or withdraw from international agreements he views as unfavorable to the United States. Here are the key elements of Trump’s foreign policy:
- “America First” Doctrine:
- National Sovereignty: Trump’s foreign policy is built on the premise that American sovereignty must be protected at all costs. He advocates for reducing U.S. involvement in multilateral organizations and agreements that he believes compromise American independence or impose unfair obligations on the U.S.
- Bilateral Agreements: Trump favors bilateral agreements over multilateral ones, arguing that they allow the U.S. to negotiate better terms. This approach is evident in his preference for one-on-one trade deals rather than large, regional agreements.
- Alliances and Multilateralism:
- NATO and Traditional Alliances: Trump has been critical of traditional alliances like NATO, questioning the financial contributions of member countries and demanding that allies pay more for their defense. He argues that the U.S. should not bear the disproportionate burden of global security.
- Withdrawal from International Agreements: During his presidency, Trump withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). He believes these agreements were detrimental to American interests and that withdrawal was necessary to protect the nation.
- Trade and Economic Policy:
- Tariffs and Trade Wars: Trump’s foreign policy includes a strong focus on trade, particularly with China. He has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and engaged in a trade war to address what he sees as unfair trade practices. Trump argues that these measures are necessary to protect American industries and workers.
- Renegotiating NAFTA: Trump successfully renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He claims that the new deal better protects American jobs and industries, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture.
- Relations with Adversaries:
- China: Trump views China as the primary geopolitical and economic rival to the United States. His administration took a hardline stance on China, addressing issues such as trade imbalances, intellectual property theft, and military expansion in the South China Sea.
- Russia: Trump’s relationship with Russia has been controversial. While he has expressed a desire for better relations with Moscow, his administration imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine and its interference in U.S. elections. Trump’s approach to Russia reflects a mix of pragmatism and cautious engagement.
- Middle East Policy:
- Israel and the Abraham Accords: Trump’s administration brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. He views this as a significant achievement in promoting peace in the Middle East.
- Iran and the JCPOA: Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal marked a major shift in U.S. policy toward Iran. He reimposed sanctions on Tehran, aiming to pressure the regime into renegotiating a more favorable agreement.
Harris’s Foreign Policy Approach
Kamala Harris’s foreign policy is grounded in a commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and restoring America’s leadership in global institutions. Her approach emphasizes rebuilding alliances, engaging in diplomacy, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and human rights. Here’s an overview of Harris’s key foreign policy priorities:
- Rebuilding Alliances and Multilateral Engagement:
- Strengthening NATO and Alliances: Harris is a strong advocate for traditional alliances like NATO. She believes that these partnerships are crucial for maintaining global security and that the U.S. should work closely with its allies to address common threats, such as terrorism and cyberattacks.
- Rejoining International Agreements: Harris supports rejoining international agreements that Trump withdrew from, including the Paris Climate Accord and the JCPOA. She argues that U.S. leadership in these agreements is essential for addressing global challenges and maintaining international stability.
- Human Rights and Democracy Promotion:
- Global Human Rights Advocacy: Harris places a strong emphasis on promoting human rights and democracy around the world. She plans to increase U.S. support for human rights defenders and civil society organizations in authoritarian regimes.
- Combating Authoritarianism: Harris’s foreign policy includes a commitment to countering the rise of authoritarianism globally. She advocates for stronger diplomatic efforts to support democratic movements and prevent human rights abuses in countries like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
- Climate Change and Global Health:
- Climate Leadership: Harris views climate change as one of the most pressing global challenges and believes that the U.S. should lead international efforts to combat it. She supports rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and increasing investment in clean energy technologies and climate resilience.
- Global Health Initiatives: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris’s foreign policy prioritizes global health. She plans to strengthen international cooperation on public health issues, increase funding for global health initiatives, and ensure that the U.S. plays a leading role in preventing and responding to future pandemics.
- Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Harris emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and preventing war. She advocates for increased diplomatic efforts in hotspots like the Middle East, where she supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and renewed negotiations with Iran.
- Peacebuilding and Development: Harris supports integrating peacebuilding and development efforts into U.S. foreign policy. She believes that addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and inequality, is essential for long-term global stability.
- Relations with Adversaries:
- China: Harris advocates for a balanced approach to China, combining competition with cooperation on global issues like climate change and public health. She supports confronting China on human rights abuses and unfair trade practices while seeking areas of mutual interest where collaboration is possible.
- Russia: Harris views Russia as a major threat to global stability and U.S. interests. She supports maintaining and expanding sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and election interference, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to manage the relationship and prevent escalation.
The Potential Impact
The foreign policy approaches of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represent two fundamentally different visions for America’s role in the world. Trump’s “America First” approach emphasizes national sovereignty, reducing overseas commitments, and prioritizing American economic interests. His policies appeal to those who believe that the U.S. should focus on its own challenges and reduce its involvement in global affairs.
In contrast, Harris’s approach is rooted in multilateralism, human rights, and a belief in the importance of global leadership. She seeks to rebuild alliances, re-engage in international agreements, and address global challenges through diplomacy and cooperation. Her policies are likely to resonate with those who view the U.S. as a leader in promoting global stability, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the 2024 election presents voters with a clear choice between two distinct foreign policy approaches. The outcome will shape America’s global role and influence for years to come, determining how the nation navigates the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world. Whether prioritizing national sovereignty or global leadership, the decision will have profound implications for U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the world stage.
For a detailed exploration of the foreign policy differences between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, check out “Road to the Election.” This guide offers expert analysis on how each candidate’s approach could shape America’s global standing, from alliances and trade to national security and diplomacy. Whether you’re interested in Trump’s “America First” doctrine or Harris’s commitment to multilateralism and human rights, this resource provides a comprehensive comparison.
