Harris-Trump Debate: Foreign Policy Clash Reveals Limited Vision for Future

The recent presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10, 2024, highlighted key foreign policy issues but provided limited insight into their future plans for global challenges.

Both candidates aimed to appear tough and competent on foreign affairs, with Trump emphasizing his record of deterrence during his presidency and Harris aligning closely with the Biden administration's current policies. The debate covered critical topics such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and broader issues of global stability.

On Israel, both candidates expressed strong support for Israeli security, with Harris reiterating the Biden administration's stance and Trump claiming he would offer even stronger backing. However, neither provided concrete plans for resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been a source of regional tension since the mid-20th century.

Regarding Ukraine, Harris pledged continued support for the country's defense against Russian aggression, while Trump suggested he could quickly negotiate an end to the conflict through personal diplomacy. This difference in approach reflects broader contrasts in their foreign policy philosophies, with Harris emphasizing international cooperation and Trump focusing on bilateral negotiations and perceived personal strength.

"I think it's in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. All right. Negotiate a deal. Because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed."

The debate also touched on the potential for global conflict, with Trump warning of the risk of a "third world war" and highlighting nuclear threats. Harris, in contrast, focused on upholding international norms and values, reflecting a more traditional approach to U.S. foreign policy.

Other topics discussed included U.S.-China relations, primarily through the lens of tariffs and trade policy, and immigration as a national security issue. Both candidates attempted to portray themselves as tough on China, but neither offered a comprehensive strategy for managing this critical relationship.

The candidates also sparred over the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, each attempting to shift blame for the chaotic exit while agreeing that withdrawal was the correct decision. This exchange highlighted the challenges of addressing complex foreign policy issues in a debate format.

As the 2024 election approaches, voters are left with limited clarity on how either candidate would address future global challenges. The debate underscored the need for more substantive discussions on foreign policy strategies and long-term visions for America's role in the world.