It is almost certain that US Vice President Kamala Harris will run for the Democrats in the US elections. Many political decision-makers are now asking: what does this mean for us? Why, in particular, the way we deal with Israel could change drastically and why silent songs of praise are spreading in Europe.
The 59-year-old’s previous successes and performances on the international stage are manageable. Harris was given the rather thankless task by Joe Biden to use diplomacy to stem the flow of migrants from South and Central America. A real ‘Mission Impossible’. The numbers have dropped considerably recently, but have not really scored points in the public perception.
Verbal misstep with consequences
The reason for this was a communication error. The fact that Harris, despite her duties, did not visit the American border for a long time dominated the debate, especially in the beginning. Her argument at the time that she had “never been to Europe” was torn apart by the political competition. This was also reflected in their poll results. The accusation: she did not take her work seriously enough.
An example of the excitement surrounding her appearance at the time:
The high level of illegal immigration is a pet topic of Donald Trump, the Republican nominee and potential rival to Harris. The 78-year-old recently blocked his party from agreeing to stricter asylum rules in order to keep the issue alive for the election campaign.
Republicans have been accusing Harris of “failing as an overreaching border czar” since it emerged she would likely succeed Joe Biden as the top candidate. If nominated, Democrats hope Harris will be able to communicate her policy goals better than she did early in her vice presidency.
So what can we expect from the Democrat on the international stage? Here’s a rundown of the key topics:
“Iron” commitment to NATO
In the recent past, she has built up a long profile. At this year’s Munich Security Conference, Harris gave a speech condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and promising a “rock-solid” US commitment to the obligation of mutual self-defense enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Continuity for Ukraine
From Ukraine it is said that Harris shows two characteristics in particular: “continuity and predictability”. For a country at war this is of great importance given the crucial American aid. Others emphasize that you can trust her because she is very close to Biden and therefore shares his views.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes for “continued strong American leadership”:
On the negative side, the former prosecutor’s lack of experience in foreign policy is mentioned. According to Reuters, the German federal government is pointing out behind the scenes that, as with any politician who suddenly steps from the second row to the first, there is a risk. “Weaknesses and disadvantages that were not visible before can then become visible,” it says.
Public reluctance in the EU
Most EU politicians do not want to make an official comment yet. There is too much concern about interference in the incomplete selection process of the American Democrats. “I wish her the best. She is a woman, a strong woman,” says the Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.
Many agree, however: Harris would probably not be bad for Europe. She is a “trained transatlanticist,” they say. Given her younger age and other problems in her political career, this is neither a miracle nor a disadvantage, SPD foreign policy expert Nils Schmid explains to Reuters.
The course towards China is clear
When it comes to China, Harris has long aligned himself with the bipartisan majority in Washington’s push to push back on China’s influence. Analysts believe key elements of Biden’s policy will remain in place:
- If necessary, the government in Beijing should be confronted. The topics here range from vague promises of protection for Taiwan to curbing Chinese dumping prices in the electric car market.
- At the same time, areas of cooperation should be sought. The channels of communication between Washington and Beijing have recently been revived.
As US vice president, Harris has made several trips to Asia to strengthen ties in the economically dynamic region.
But like Biden, Harris is also prone to verbal gaffes. During a visit to the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea in September 2022, where she wanted to reaffirm support for Seoul, she incorrectly spoke of an “American alliance with the Republic of North Korea.”
New line in the Middle East?
The Middle East conflict is likely to be high on Harris’ foreign policy agenda. Like Biden, she emphasizes Israel’s right to self-defense. But perhaps that’s where the similarities end: their criticism of Israel’s military actions after the October 7 Hamas attack went much further.
She also believes “consequences for Israel” are possible if the country launches a full-scale invasion of the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip. Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week — without Biden.
New hardships for alienated voters
With a tougher stance, Democrats hope to win back disaffected voters. Surveys show that young people and voters of Arab descent in particular feel repelled by Biden’s line. That should change under Harris.
The new line is already casting shadows. The Israeli prime minister will address the US Congress on Wednesday. One chair will remain empty: Harris will not be watching Netanyahu’s remarks live, according to her team.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
