Kamala Harris Foreign Policy Agenda: Key Points

Have you ever wondered how Vice President Kamala Harris sees the world? Her journey in U.S. diplomacy is truly inspiring. Imagine a woman of color, the daughter of immigrants, speaking at West Point. She made history as the first woman to give a commencement speech in its 221-year history¹.

This moment shows Harris’s unique view of America’s place in the world.

Harris has visited 21 countries in just three and a half years as Vice President. This shows her deep commitment to diplomacy¹. In fact, she has traveled more than past presidents like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump at similar times in their careers².

Harris has been directly involved in major global issues. She briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Russia’s invasion plans before it happened in 2022². This shows she’s a key player in U.S. foreign policy, handling crises and shaping America’s global response.

As a Democratic nominee, Harris has focused on managing competition with China, supporting Ukraine, and tackling complex issues in the Middle East¹. Her approach shows a deep understanding of global politics. She aims to strengthen alliances in Southeast Asia and address the root causes of migration in Central America².

Kamala Harris has grown a lot in her diplomatic experience since joining national politics. Her journey in international relations started just days after she became a U.S. senator. Right after her swearing-in, the Obama administration shared news of Russian interference in the 2016 election. This put her right into the heart of global politics³.

As a senator, Harris jumped into foreign policy with both feet. She worked with Republican Senator James Lankford on a bill to improve voting system security³. Her quick understanding of complex issues won praise from her colleagues. Republican Senator Richard Burr called her a “quick study” and “very effective” in the Intelligence Committee³.

As Vice President, Harris has broadened her global leadership skills. She’s visited seven Asian countries and met with over 150 heads of state and government, including Chinese President Xi Jinping⁴. Her trips have taken her to places like the COP28 climate conference in Dubai and Israel’s cybersecurity hub in Beersheba³.

Harris has had significant meetings with world leaders. She met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, showing U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia⁴. She worked with French President Emmanuel Macron on space and cybersecurity, focusing on global challenges³. These meetings highlight her growing role in U.S. international relations and her focus on democratic “rules and norms” worldwide³.

Kamala Harris believes in a strong way of working with other countries. She thinks building partnerships is key to solving global problems. She works closely with leaders around the world to make sure America is a strong partner.

Her experience on the Senate Intelligence Committee has given her deep insights. For three years, she learned about Russian spying and how the U.S. gathers intelligence⁵. This knowledge helps her make better decisions in her work on international relations.

In the Indo-Pacific region, Harris has met with leaders from Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan. She’s working hard to make stronger connections in Asia⁶. She also co-sponsored a bill about China, focusing on issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang⁶.

“We must maintain American strength to uphold the rules-based international order.”

Harris believes in America leading the world. She thinks a strong America keeps the world stable⁷. She wants to work with other countries to face global challenges. The Biden-Harris team is building alliances like AUKUS and the Quad to balance China’s power in the Indo-Pacific⁶.

Even with budget issues and China’s growing military, Harris is still focused on American leadership⁷. She believes in working together rather than going it alone. This change in policy shows a new direction for U.S. foreign relations.

Kamala Harris strongly supports the NATO alliance and believes in strong transatlantic cooperation. She sees these partnerships as vital for keeping Europe and the world safe.

Harris believes expanding NATO is key to better defense for everyone. She backs efforts to make the alliance stronger and wider. Many Americans worry about ongoing conflicts, with 50 percent concerned about the war in Ukraine⁸.

Harris wants to deepen ties with European allies. She thinks working together across the Atlantic is essential for tackling common problems. The EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council has shown how working together can help, like with sanctions against Russia⁸.

Harris is against Russian aggression. She supports Ukraine and working together with the world to stop Europe from being destabilized. Europeans like her because she backs NATO, Ukraine, and working together on big issues⁹.

Her views on Russia, like sanctions and military presence, could stop more trouble. A Harris administration would focus on working with others to fight against authoritarianism. This would help the transatlantic area deal with global threats⁹.

“We will defend every inch of NATO territory. The United States is committed to our NATO Allies and our Article 5 commitment is ironclad.”

Harris’s strong support for NATO and European security matches what many allies expect. Her views on working together reflect a deep commitment to shared values and defending each other in a complex world.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a key figure in shaping America’s global stance. She has visited 21 countries and met over 150 world leaders. This shows her deep commitment to solving global challenges¹⁰¹¹.

Harris focuses on many issues. She supports Ukraine, competes with China, and works on climate action. Her agenda also includes building alliances and solving global migration issues.

In her role, Harris has made big steps in international diplomacy. She was the first woman to speak at West Point’s graduation, showing her growing influence in foreign affairs¹⁰. She also supports the Global South and believes in managing competition with China, showing her strategic approach¹⁰.

“Isolation is not insulation.”

This quote by Harris at the Munich Security Conference shows her view on global engagement. It contrasts with isolationism, showing her belief in working together with other countries¹⁰.

Harris’s foreign policy also looks at domestic issues that affect the world. She suggests tax breaks for builders, aid for first-time homebuyers, and more child tax credits. These could change America’s global economic position¹².

As Harris shapes her foreign policy, her focus on global challenges and working with other countries makes her a big player in diplomacy.

Kamala Harris wants to win the economic battle with China while keeping the Indo-Pacific stable. She plans to balance economic goals with security needs. This approach tackles major issues in this important area.

Harris sees the economic fight with China as key. She backs laws to protect human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, showing a strong stance on China’s actions¹³. Her strategy matches the Biden administration’s China plan, focusing on economic competition and human rights¹³.

The Vice President is committed to solving South China Sea disputes. She has visited Southeast Asia three times, going to countries like Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia¹³. These trips show the US’s strong support for freedom of navigation and the region’s borders.

Harris is working hard to strengthen ties with Asian countries to counter China’s growing power. Her efforts show the US’s plan to build a strong alliance in the Indo-Pacific. She also supports the strong US-India relationship, which has lasted for years¹³.

“We must stand up for our values and engage our allies in the region,” Harris said during her tour, highlighting the need for regional partnerships.

Harris is key in shaping US policy in the Indo-Pacific. She balances economic goals with strategic partnerships to tackle the challenges China brings.

Kamala Harris aims to find peace in the Middle East by balancing Israel’s security with Palestinian rights. She supports a two-state solution, knowing it’s complex¹⁴. Harris also wants to stop the war in Gaza and protect Israel¹⁴.

The Vice President understands the conflict deeply. She wants to free hostages, end Gaza’s suffering, and help Palestinians make their own decisions. Her talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were open and helpful.

Harris might use experienced diplomats in her team. Names like Ilan Goldenberg and Phil Gordon are being considered for advisors¹⁴. They could bring back Obama-era strategies to the region.

“We must work towards a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.”

Finding a solution is tough for Harris. Older Democrats often back Israel, but younger ones support Palestinians more¹⁵. This split makes her job harder.

Harris’s efforts in the Middle East are very important. People around the world are watching her. She aims to make peace by balancing different interests.

Kamala Harris has always been dedicated to fighting climate change and protecting the environment. She believes in working together with other countries and using green energy to solve big environmental problems.

Harris strongly backs the Paris Agreement. She knows the U.S. is a big part of the climate change problem, being the second-biggest emitter after China. This shows why the U.S. must lead in fighting climate change¹⁶.

As Vice President, Harris helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act. This big law gives a lot of money to clean energy and electric cars. It’s the biggest clean energy investment in U.S. history¹⁶.

Harris has done a lot for the environment. In California, she got big money from oil companies for environmental harm. She also stopped fracking in the Pacific Ocean¹⁷. She even started a unit to help communities hurt by pollution¹⁶.

The Biden-Harris team has made big moves on global climate action. They created the first National Intelligence Estimate on Climate Change. This shows all 18 Intelligence Community groups agree on climate change as a big threat¹⁸.

“Representation matters in environmental and climate issues, particularly for communities most impacted by extreme weather events, drought, flooding, and pollution.”

Harris fights climate change with strong policies at home and working with other countries. This makes the U.S. a leader in solving global environmental problems.

Kamala Harris is a strong advocate for global democracy and human rights. She works to spread freedom across the world. The Biden-Harris team is tackling tough challenges in promoting these values, as global democracy has been declining for 14 years¹⁹.

Harris speaks out against authoritarian regimes and human rights abuses. She’s worried about the situation in Gaza, among other places. The U.S. plans a “Summit for Democracy” to boost democratic strength and fight against authoritarianism¹⁹.

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor is key in this fight. It aims to protect human rights worldwide, even in monarchies, without pushing for regime changes²⁰.

Harris’s way of handling human rights is thoughtful. She balances promoting rights with keeping good relations with other countries. This is especially important with countries like Saudi Arabia, where Biden has threatened to act against human rights abuses¹⁹.

“Regaining credibility on democracy issues will be tough and may take a long time.” – Michael Shifter, Inter-American Dialogue

The U.S. has its own hurdles in promoting democracy abroad. On inauguration day 2021, Washington D.C. was like a city under attack due to right-wing threats. This shows how hard it is to promote democracy worldwide while solving domestic issues²¹.

Kamala Harris leads efforts to tackle the root causes of migration from Central America. The U.S. faces significant challenges with nearly 11 million undocumented migrants residing in the country²². To address this, the administration has increased engagement in the region and involved international partners in providing relief²².

The strategy focuses on economic opportunity, governance, and security in Central America. The Biden-Harris Administration allocated $310 million in urgent relief, with over $250 million already disbursed, reaching over two million people²³. This approach aims to create a democratic, prosperous, and safe Central America, reducing the need for migration²².

The U.S. provided over 10 million COVID vaccine doses to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras²³. USAID has committed $4 billion in funds and programming towards addressing root causes of migration in northern Central America²⁴. These efforts show a commitment to improving conditions in migrants’ home countries.

The administration is working on comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures. USAID’s efforts have helped double the number of H-2A and H-2B visas, increasing from around 9,800 to 19,000, to allow for safe and legal migration²⁴. This approach balances refugee policy with border security concerns, aiming for a more effective and humane immigration system.

“Our goal is to create a fair and efficient system that addresses the root causes of migration while ensuring the security of our borders.”

By addressing these complex issues, the administration aims to create a balanced approach to global migration and refugee crises. This includes immigration reform, refugee policy, and border security measures.

Kamala Harris has a deep understanding of foreign policy thanks to her wide-ranging experience. As Vice President, she visited 21 countries and met over 150 foreign leaders. She also took part in important national security talks²⁵. This has shaped her way of tackling global issues and leading on the world stage.

Harris is deeply committed to American values and interests. She has been a big supporter of Ukraine, meeting with President Zelensky five times and pushing for better intelligence sharing²⁵. In the Middle East, she shows care for Palestinians but also backs Israel’s safety²⁵²⁶.

In the Senate, Harris has shown a new direction for U.S. foreign policy. She was against U.S. involvement in Yemen and backed arms control efforts²⁶. Her views are in line with liberal internationalists but could bring new ideas to global problems, especially in the Middle East²⁶.

Looking at Harris’s foreign policy vision, we see a mix of tradition and change. Her experience and changing views on issues like the Iran nuclear deal suggest a leader who values both old and new ways of solving global problems²⁶.

1. How Harris will distinguish her foreign policy from Biden — and Trump – https://www.npr.org/2024/09/07/nx-s1-5074203/kamala-harris-foreign-policy
2. The guessing game over Kamala Harris’s foreign policy – https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/370194/harris-foreign-policy-gaza-ukraine-china
3. Kamala Harris’s 21st-Century Foreign Policy – https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/23/kamala-harris-foreign-policy-generational-shift-us-election/
4. Vice President Kamala Harris’s Real-World School of Foreign Policy – https://www.cfr.org/blog/vice-president-kamala-harriss-real-world-school-foreign-policy
5. What is Kamala Harris’ foreign policy? It’s been a work in progress – https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/kamala-harris-foreign-policy-rcna163784
6. Harris’ foreign policy record suggests focus on China, Indo-Pacific, CFR political scientist says – https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/21/harris-record-shows-she-would-prioritize-the-indo-pacific-cfr-expert.html
7. What Awaits a Harris Presidency – https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/kamala-harris-foreign-policy-challenge/679678/
8. Europe’s America Problem – https://www.foreignaffairs.com/europe/europes-america-problem
9. Why the U.S. Presidential Election Matters for Europe – https://www.cfr.org/councilofcouncils/global-memos/why-us-presidential-election-matters-europe
10. How Harris will distinguish her foreign policy from Biden — and Trump – https://www.npr.org/2024/09/05/nx-s1-5074203/what-kamala-harris-foreign-policy-of-might-look-like-if-she-becomes-president
11. Kamala Harris’ foreign policy a ‘mix of might and right’ – https://theweek.com/politics/kamala-harris-foreign-policy-approach-experience
12. What we know — and don’t know — about the Harris policy agenda – https://whyy.org/articles/kamala-harris-policy-agenda-what-to-know/
13. The Kamala Harris Doctrine – https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/26/kamala-harris-policy-china-russia-trade-immigration-israel-gaza-india/
14. What a Kamala Harris Middle East policy team could look like – https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/what-kamala-harris-middle-east-policy-team-could-look-like
15. Does Harris Have a Foreign Policy? – https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/30/harris-ukraine-gaza-israel-lebanon-dnc-hezbollah-foreign-policy/
16. Where does Kamala Harris stand on climate change? – https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/08/30/kamala-harris-vs-climate-where-she-stands-on-the-green-new-deal-fossil-fuels-and-pollution
17. Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action – Inside Climate News – https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18082024/harris-stirs-hope-for-a-new-chapter-in-climate-action/
18. Fact Sheet: Prioritizing Climate in Foreign Policy and National Security | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/21/fact-sheet-prioritizing-climate-in-foreign-policy-and-national-security/
19. Democracy and Human Rights in the Middle East: The Biden Agenda – https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/democracy-and-human-rights-in-the-middle-east-the-biden-agenda/
20. Democracy Promotion and the Monarchies – https://www.cfr.org/article/democracy-promotion-and-monarchies
21. The Future of U.S. Democracy Promotion     – FPIF – https://fpif.org/the-future-of-u-s-democracy-promotion/
22. PDF – https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Root-Causes-Strategy.pdf
23. FACT SHEET: Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration in Central America | The White House – https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/fact-sheet-strategy-to-address-the-root-causes-of-migration-in-central-america/
24. Migration Policy and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy – United States Department of State – https://www.state.gov/briefings-foreign-press-centers/migration-policy-and-the-biden-harris-admins-root-causes-strategy/
25. Who Is Kamala Harris? Aggressive Foreign and Military Policies | Common Dreams – https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/kamala-harris-foreign-policy
26. If there is a Harris foreign policy do we call it Biden-lite? – https://responsiblestatecraft.org/kamala-harris-foreign-policy/