What are the foreign policy priorities of the Democrat Kamala Harris?

2024-08-04 19:25:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

What are the foreign policy priorities of the Democrat Kamala Harris?

Kamala Harris, source: AP

While Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is expected to face Republican candidate Donald Trump in the election, her foreign policy stances are being closely watched, such as when it comes to military support for Israel and Ukraine, the confrontation with China, or the migrant crisis. on the southern border of the United States. As Voice of America correspondent Patsy Widakuswara reports, it is expected that Mrs. Harris' electoral program will offer a continuation of the policies of President Biden's administration, with some changes in terms of priority of issues.

Thousands of migrants from Central America cross each year through Mexico, towards the border with the United States. Coordinating with countries in this region to address the causes of immigration was one of the tasks assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris, thus exposing her to criticism from her rival in the election, former President Donald Trump.

"It was a failure, a failed vice president and a failed administration, as millions of people cross the border. She was entrusted with the responsibility for the border ," said former President Trump.

Ms Harris has not been given the lead on border matters. But on immigration, she delivers a strong message during the election campaign, pointing to her experience as a prosecutor in California.

"I have faced international gangs, drug cartels and human traffickers who came to our country illegally. I filed investigative cases against them and won the lawsuits. Donald Trump, on the other hand, talks a lot about securing the border, but has done nothing ," said Ms. Harris.

If she wins the election, Ms. Harris says she will bring back President Joe Biden's proposed border bill, which was shot down by Republican lawmakers who support former President Trump.

She says she will continue her support for Ukraine, while avoiding a direct war with Russia, and will work to maintain unity with NATO countries.

It is also expected to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The United States stands with the Philippines in the face of intimidation and threats in the South China Sea ," Ms. Harris said.

Continuity is also expected in relation to China.

"He will continue, as he said, the efforts to reduce the dangerousness of China. We know that when he ran in 2020, he was against imposing tariffs. But just as President Biden did, she also seems to have changed her mind. So the chances are for a continuation" , says Robert Daly, from the Wilson Center.

On the Gaza issue, Mrs. Harris supports President Biden's position, with the aim of achieving a ceasefire and preventing a regional war.

However, because of anger in large parts of the Democratic electorate over President Biden's staunch support for Israel, Ms. Harris has expressed much greater empathy for the casualties among the Palestinians.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be insensitive to suffering and I will not remain silent ," she said.

Ms. Harris also supports President Biden's policy of a leadership style that relies on allies and partners.

She has also focused on non-traditional security risks, while chairing the National Space Council and pushing the administration's artificial intelligence and climate policies.

"When people say 'she had immigration in her portfolio and we already have a terrible problem with immigration', they are not taking into account the full role she has played in every region of the world ," says Linda Robinson, from the Council for Foreign Relations.

Although she has traveled the globe for four years and met with about 150 heads of state and government, former President Trump says she is inexperienced and underachieved.