Kamala Harris’s legal background might lead her to focus on justice and accountability in foreign policy, especially in handling international disputes and human rights issues.
Join Yale historian Dr. Michael Brenes with Dr. John Bruni on The Focus as we unpack Kamala Harris’s foreign policy vision in our latest podcast!
The Prosecutor’s Perspective
Kamala Harris’s experience as a prosecutor could heavily influence how she handles international relations.
Dr. Michael Brenes observes, “She’s been described as a human rights hawk and a pragmatic internationalist.”
This suggests that Harris may prioritise the rule of law when dealing with global conflicts. Her legal background might lead her to focus on justice and accountability in foreign policy, especially in handling international disputes and human rights issues.
Listen Below
Handling U.S. Allies
When it comes to foreign policy, Harris might adopt a less interventionist stance compared to Biden.
Dr. Brenes points out, “She’s cautious about committing ground troops, learning from past mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Harris’s approach could reflect her understanding of the risks associated with prolonged military engagements. Her focus might be more on diplomacy, building strong alliances, and avoiding direct military conflicts whenever possible. This careful strategy may result in a more measured foreign policy, especially in regions like the Middle East and Asia.
Global Security
Under a Harris presidency, we might see a shift in how the U.S. addresses global security concerns. Her focus could be on diplomacy and multilateral agreements rather than aggressive military action.
“She’ll likely follow Obama’s approach rather than Biden’s more aggressive rhetoric,” Dr. Brenes predicts.
Harris’s legal mindset may drive her to seek diplomatic solutions first, focusing on negotiations, partnerships, and global cooperation. While Biden has taken a firm stance on issues like China and Russia, Harris could offer a more tempered approach, preferring dialogue over force.
Harris’s presidency could introduce a foreign policy that balances strength with diplomacy. Her legal background might shape her decisions on global security, human rights, and international cooperation. Whether she takes a more cautious approach than her predecessors remains to be seen.
Topic time in podcast and video: 07:45 – 09:58
