Kamala Harris on Foreign Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris has an extensive foreign policy resume based on her tenure as vice president, having visited over twenty countries and met with numerous foreign leaders. Her public remarks suggest she will primarily adhere to the current administration's established strategy, which centers on strengthening multilateral alliances like NATO and maintaining a competitive but engaged posture toward China. While her 2020 campaign platform was within the Democratic mainstream, her subsequent role has seen her enforce existing policies, such as strong support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies. She has also played a role in developing U.S. policy on issues like artificial intelligence and space strategy, chairing the White House National Space Council.

Despite the general expectation of continuity, analysts suggest Harris may possess a less predictable or more enigmatic approach than her predecessor in certain areas. Notably, she has publicly shown differences on the Israel-Hamas war, advocating for a tougher line on Israeli conduct and recognizing the humanitarian toll on Palestinian civilians more explicitly than the sitting president. Her background, including her identity as a daughter of immigrants, may lead to a foreign policy perspective that views global responsibilities as one among many strategic priorities, potentially giving equal weight to human rights and climate change alongside traditional security concerns. Her first major policy signals will likely come from the national security team she selects should she be elected.