In a recent discussion on DW News, Stephen Wertheim from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace provided insights into U.S. foreign policy under President Biden, potential differences under a Kamala Harris presidency, and speculated on Donald Trump’s approach to ending the war in Ukraine. The conversation touched on Biden’s success in strengthening military alliances and the ongoing challenges in rallying broader international support for Ukraine. Wertheim questioned the productive framing of global conflicts as battles between democracy and autocracy, suggesting a focus on sovereignty and international law might be more unifying. He also shared thoughts on Harris’s potential foreign policy stances, Trump’s unlikely ability to end the Ukraine conflict immediately if re-elected, and the broader implications for U.S. global engagement.
Biden has been credited with strengthening U.S. military alliances in Europe and Asia, especially in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
There is a debate on the effectiveness of framing conflicts as democracy vs. autocracy, with suggestions to instead emphasize sovereignty and international law.
Kamala Harris might show less staunch support for the Israeli government’s policies towards Gaza and Palestinians, based on her past statements and actions.
Donald Trump’s claim of ending the war in Ukraine on his first day if re-elected is seen as unrealistic, though he might encourage negotiations.
Both Harris and Trump present unique challenges and opportunities in U.S. foreign policy, with Harris potentially reflecting newer Democratic Party views and Trump’s non-traditional approach to alliances and military engagement.
The discussion also touched on the need for U.S. leadership to potentially make room for other perspectives and approaches in global affairs.
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