Harris's Tech-Savvy Approach Reshapes U.S. Foreign Policy Landscape

Vice President Kamala Harris brings a unique perspective to foreign policy, focusing on modern threats like cybersecurity and AI. Her experience in California and the Senate has shaped her approach to global challenges.

August 23 2024 , 12:25 PM  •  6021 views

Harris's Tech-Savvy Approach Reshapes U.S. Foreign Policy Landscape

Kamala Harris has emerged as a distinctive voice in U.S. foreign policy, bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her unique experiences. As Joe Biden's vice president, Harris has developed a keen understanding of global affairs, with a particular focus on modern technological threats.

Harris's approach to foreign policy is rooted in her background as California's attorney general and her time in the Senate. Her familiarity with Silicon Valley and its technological landscape has informed her understanding of emerging global challenges. This expertise has proven valuable in addressing issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

During her tenure on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Harris demonstrated a sharp intellect and a willingness to delve into complex issues. Mark Warner, the committee's current chairman, noted her quick grasp of subjects like Russian election interference and Chinese intellectual property theft. Her colleagues, including Ron Wyden, praised her incisive questioning and commitment to oversight.

Harris's focus on high-tech threats is evident in her legislative efforts. She co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to enhance voting system cybersecurity and pushed for U.S. advancement in quantum computing. As vice president, she has continued to prioritize these areas, working with international partners on space and cybersecurity initiatives.

"Kamala Harris is Joe Biden's protégé. He trained her."

Eleni Kounalakis, California Lt. Gov. and friend of Harris

While Harris has learned from Biden's extensive foreign policy experience, she represents a new generation of national security experts. Her approach is shaped by an understanding of modern threats, including cyber attacks, election hacking, and potential risks from artificial intelligence.

Harris's time on the Senate Intelligence Committee coincided with revelations about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. This experience deepened her understanding of the vulnerabilities facing American democracy, both from foreign and domestic sources. She has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving democratic norms and rules in the face of challenges from autocratic states.

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The vice president's unique perspective on foreign policy is informed by her career as a prosecutor and her work on domestic issues. She sees a connection between internal vulnerabilities and external threats to democracy, recognizing how foreign actors can exploit societal divisions.

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris's focus on democracy promotion and her understanding of modern technological threats position her as a distinct voice in U.S. foreign policy. Her approach, shaped by a rapid immersion in global affairs during a time of crisis, offers a complement to Biden's traditional foreign policy background.

Harris's journey from California prosecutor to potential future commander-in-chief has equipped her with a multifaceted understanding of national security. Her emphasis on addressing high-tech threats and preserving democratic institutions reflects the evolving nature of global challenges in the 21st century.