Here's The Best Clue We Have on Kamala Harris' Foreign Policy

Update: 2024-07-27

Digest

This podcast delves into the foreign policy views of Kamala Harris, specifically examining the potential influence of her national security advisor, Philip Gordon. The episode begins by exploring Gordon's background and his expertise on Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. It then focuses on his experience as the White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region during the Obama administration, highlighting his views on the Syrian conflict and his advocacy for a peace deal. The podcast further discusses Gordon's potential role in a Harris administration, considering his views on American power, the Middle East, and Israel-Palestine. It explores his potential approach to issues like China and Russia, emphasizing his advocacy for diplomacy and a more restrained approach to foreign policy. The episode concludes by considering the potential challenges a Harris administration might face in dealing with global issues, particularly in light of Gordon's influence.

Outlines

00:00:00

Kamala Harris' Foreign Policy: A Look at Her National Security Advisor

This episode explores the foreign policy views of Kamala Harris, focusing on her national security advisor, Philip Gordon. The episode examines Gordon's background, his views on Russia, Syria, and the Middle East, and his potential influence on a Harris administration.

00:08:45

Philip Gordon's Middle East Policy

This episode delves into Gordon's experience as the White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region during the Obama administration. It highlights his views on the Syrian conflict and his advocacy for a peace deal, even if it meant accepting painful trade-offs.

00:13:42

Gordon's Potential Influence on a Harris Administration

This episode discusses Gordon's potential role in a Kamala Harris administration, considering his views on American power, the Middle East, and Israel-Palestine. It explores his potential approach to issues like China and Russia.

Keywords

Philip Gordon

Philip Gordon is a prominent American foreign policy expert who served as the White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region during the Obama administration. He is known for his expertise on Russia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States. She is a potential candidate for the presidency in 2024. Her foreign policy views are a subject of interest, particularly in light of her national security advisor, Philip Gordon.

Syria Civil War

The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing armed conflict that began in 2011. The war has resulted in millions of refugees, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis.

Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing dispute over land and resources in the Middle East. The conflict has been marked by violence, displacement, and political deadlock.

American Foreign Policy

American foreign policy refers to the strategies and actions that the United States government employs in its interactions with other countries. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including diplomacy, trade, security, and human rights.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states or organizations. It is a key tool in international relations, aimed at resolving disputes, building alliances, and promoting cooperation.

Restrained Foreign Policy

A restrained foreign policy is characterized by a cautious and limited approach to international affairs. It emphasizes diplomacy, multilateralism, and avoiding unnecessary military interventions.

Q&A

What are Philip Gordon's key foreign policy views?
Gordon is a strong advocate for diplomacy, even with adversaries. He believes in the limits of American power and the dangers of overreach. He is skeptical of military interventionism and favors a more restrained approach to foreign policy.
How might Philip Gordon's views influence a Kamala Harris administration?
Gordon's influence on a Harris administration is uncertain, but his views on American power, the Middle East, and Israel-Palestine could shape her foreign policy. His emphasis on diplomacy and restraint could lead to a more cautious approach to international affairs.
What are some of the key foreign policy challenges that a Kamala Harris administration might face?
A Harris administration would likely face challenges in dealing with Russia, China, the Middle East, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her approach to these issues will be closely watched, particularly in light of her national security advisor's views.

Show Notes

Vice President Kamala Harris is hitting the campaign trail, but her talking points don’t shed much light on her approach to foreign policy. With wars in Gaza and Ukraine—not to mention increasingly hostile relations with China and Russia—foreign policy could easily define a potential Harris Administration. To get a sense of how Harris might approach world affairs, Josie and Max take a closer look at her current national security advisor, Philip Gordon. They talk to ‘Pod Save The World’ host Ben Rhodes, who worked with Gordon in the Obama White House on some of the administration's most consequential foreign policy issues, like the war in Syria and the Iran Nuclear Deal. Together, they look at how those moments shaped Gordon, and how they could shape Harris' approach, too.