By Ryan Ryu ’25
As the 2024 presidential election looms, the foreign policy divide between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offers voters a clear choice. Both candidates present distinct visions for America’s role on the global stage, with their foreign policy platforms set to influence global diplomacy, trade, and security for years to come.
Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda, rooted in the “America First” approach he introduced during his presidency (2017-2021), continues to prioritize U.S. economic interests and disengagement from multilateral agreements. For example, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and the Paris Climate Accord in 2017, both of which he deemed detrimental to American interests. His approach to international relations is characterized by personal diplomacy, as seen in his direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018 and 2019, in which he aimed to de-escalate tensions without relying on traditional diplomatic processes.
In contrast, Kamala Harris, Vice President from 2021 to 2025, has focused on restoring U.S. alliances and promoting global cooperation. Harris has been a vocal advocate for the Biden administration’s multilateral efforts, such as the United States’ re-entry into the Paris Climate Accord in February 2021 and the ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, which began in February 2022. Harris’ foreign policy emphasizes diplomacy and partnership, particularly in efforts to strengthen NATO and alliances in the Indo-Pacific, such as AUKUS, which was formed in September 2021.
The two candidates’ approaches to China also diverge significantly. Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports during his presidency, beginning in 2018, and has promised to implement even steeper tariffs, up to 60%, if elected again in 2024. Trump believes such tariffs are necessary to counter what he sees as China’s manipulation of trade practices that harm U.S. industries. While maintaining a tough stance on China, Harris focuses more on competing in areas like technology and artificial intelligence, which she views as critical to future U.S. security. Her administration would likely continue promoting technological innovation and strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific and following through on policies like the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
Another key area where their policies differ is the Middle East. Trump’s crowning achievement in the region was signing the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. He has expressed a desire to expand these agreements, possibly including Saudi Arabia, though he has been less focused on achieving a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Harris, on the other hand, has supported the accords. Still, Trump would likely take a more nuanced approach to Middle East diplomacy, emphasizing human rights and long-term stability, especially concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As November 2024 nears, these policy contrasts will be crucial in shaping voters’ perceptions of the candidates. Trump’s supporters praise his strongman diplomacy and commitment to putting U.S. economic interests first. At the same time, Harris’ backers see her emphasis on rebuilding alliances and leading with diplomacy as a pathway to restoring U.S. credibility on the world stage.
