Harris may use US foreign policy as campaign asset

Significance

While domestic issues will dominate the campaign that Harris will run as she looks to re-energise the Democratic base, her ties to President Joe Biden’s foreign policy will be among the fundamental differences she will emphasise between herself and Donald Trump, as well as her case that she is ready to assume the presidency.

Impacts

• Harris will advocate for continued multilateral engagement as a central aspect of US foreign policy.
• She will emphasise the need for sustained commitment to Ukraine and pledge strong support for NATO and collective security.
• Her choice of running mate, while dictated by domestic concerns, will be examined for clues about foreign policy in a Harris White House.
• China, Russia and other adversaries will look for ways to exploit Biden’s ‘lame duck’ status as his presidency concludes.