Alliance vs. Isolation: Harris and Trump’s Competing Views on Foreign Policy

Update: 2024-09-30

Digest

This episode of The Daily delves into the potential foreign policy approaches of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the two leading candidates in the 2024 US presidential election. The episode begins by examining their stances on the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump's desire for a quick resolution through concessions to Russia and Harris's expected continuation of the Biden administration's support for Ukraine. The episode then explores the significance of the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and the potential for escalation in the Middle East. Both candidates have condemned Hezbollah, but their approaches to de-escalation and their willingness to engage with Iran differ significantly. The episode further delves into the contrasting approaches of Trump and Harris towards China. Trump's approach was characterized by a trade war and a transactional view of the relationship, while Harris is expected to adopt a more traditional, less confrontational approach, focusing on de-risking rather than decoupling from China. The episode highlights the significance of China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war, which has strengthened their alliance and created a new challenge for the US. China's economic support for Russia and potential future arms supplies raise concerns about the balance of power in the world. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of local language in journalism, as highlighted by Abdi Latif Tahir, the East Africa correspondent for The New York Times. Tahir emphasizes the importance of speaking to people in their native language to gain deeper insights and build trust. He highlights how using Somali or Swahili allows him to connect with individuals on a personal level and understand their perspectives more fully.

Outlines

00:00:29

Foreign Policy in the 2024 Election

This chapter explores the contrasting foreign policy approaches of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, focusing on their stances on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, and their relationship with China.

00:19:15

The Importance of Local Language in Journalism

Abdi Latif Tahir, the East Africa correspondent for The New York Times, emphasizes the importance of speaking to people in their native language to gain deeper insights and build trust. He highlights how using Somali or Swahili allows him to connect with individuals on a personal level and understand their perspectives more fully.

Keywords

De-risking

A strategy to reduce dependence on a particular country or entity, particularly in supply chains, without completely severing ties. It aims to mitigate risks associated with overreliance on a single source.

Madman Theory

A foreign policy tactic where a leader projects an image of unpredictability and irrationality to deter adversaries. This strategy aims to create uncertainty and fear, making opponents hesitant to provoke the leader.

International Rules-Based Order

A system of international relations based on agreed-upon rules, norms, and institutions that govern interactions between states. It promotes cooperation, stability, and predictability in global affairs.

Bipartisan Consensus

A shared agreement or understanding on a particular issue that transcends party lines. It indicates a broad level of support for a policy or approach, often reflecting a convergence of views across the political spectrum.

Proxy War

A conflict where opposing powers support and arm different factions or groups within a third country, without directly engaging in combat themselves. It allows for indirect confrontation and influence without risking direct military conflict.

Transactional Diplomacy

A foreign policy approach that prioritizes mutual benefits and exchanges, focusing on achieving specific goals through negotiations and agreements. It emphasizes practical outcomes and tangible gains rather than ideological principles or long-term relationships.

Uyghurs

A Turkic ethnic group primarily residing in Xinjiang, China. They have faced significant human rights abuses, including mass detention, forced labor, and cultural suppression, under the Chinese government's policies.

Semiconductor Industry

The sector responsible for manufacturing semiconductors, which are essential components in electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and automobiles. It plays a crucial role in global technological advancement and economic competitiveness.

Supply Chain

The network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in the production and distribution of a product or service. It encompasses all stages from raw materials to the final consumer.

Q&A

How do the two candidates differ in their approaches to the conflict in Ukraine?
Kamala Harris is expected to continue the Biden administration's policy of supporting Ukraine, while Donald Trump has expressed a desire to end the war quickly, potentially through concessions to Russia, which is a stark departure from traditional US foreign policy.
What is the significance of the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and how might the candidates respond?
Nasrallah's death could escalate tensions in the Middle East, potentially involving Iran. Both candidates have condemned Hezbollah, but their approaches to de-escalation and their willingness to engage with Iran differ significantly.
How does Trump's approach to China differ from Harris's?
Trump's approach was characterized by a trade war and a transactional view of the relationship, while Harris is expected to adopt a more traditional, less confrontational approach, focusing on de-risking rather than decoupling from China.
What is the significance of China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war?
China's support for Russia has strengthened their alliance and created a new challenge for the US. China's economic support for Russia and potential future arms supplies raise concerns about the balance of power in the world.
What is the main difference between Trump and Harris in terms of their foreign policy approaches?
The main difference lies in their predictability. Harris represents a more stable and predictable approach, while Trump's volatile and mercurial nature creates uncertainty and unpredictability in US foreign policy.

Show Notes

As wars in Ukraine and the Middle East deepen, the U.S. presidential campaign is raising a crucial question: Whose idea of American foreign policy will the world get next?

Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The Times, walks us through the plans put forward by Kamala Harris and by Donald J. Trump.

Guest: Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Ms. Harris met with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling that the White House was preparing her to take over a thorny diplomatic relationship.
Mr. Zelensky also met with Mr. Trump as concerns mount in Kyiv that a second Trump administration could spell the end of American support against Russia.

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