The world is bracing for the outcome of the US elections 2024, which will decide who will be at the helm of the White House for the next four years.
The November 5 election will be consequential for the whole world, as it will shape the US position on a myriad of foreign policy issues. The Democratic candidate and Vice President, Kamala Harris, and the Republican candidate and former president, Donald Trump, have divergent views on a number of issues, putting a lot at stake for the world.
Gaza War
As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues through its second year, raising fears of spilling into an all-out regional war, both Trump and Harris agree that the fighting must come to an end and reiterate their support for Israel. However, they have different views regarding how the war should end and how the future of Gaza should look like.
Harris called for a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange of the release of hostages held by Hamas. She also decried the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, pressing Israeli leaders to do more to protect civilians and allow more aid into the Strip. Furthermore, the Vice President, in her fist debate with Trump, expressed support for the two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian State.
Meanwhile, she said she supports Israel’s “legitimate military objectives to eliminate the threat of Hamas” and reiterated that she “will always give Israel the ability to defend itself,” adding that she will continue the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on arming Israel, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
On the other hand, Trump has been a strong supporter of Israel. He promised to “stand proudly” with Israel after the outbreak of the Gaza war. He said little on how he will end the war in Gaza, but he has not ruled out some form of Israeli rule or occupation of the Strip, according to Los Angeles Times (LA Times). During his presidency, he did not support an independent Palestinian State.
Iran
The war in Gaza has sparked other regional tensions, leading to an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon in response to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel, and exchanges of missile and drone strikes between Israel and Iran. Neither candidates to the US elections is expected to make significant changes to US Iran policy.
On this matter, Harris said she will take “necessary actions” to protect US troops from Iran and its proxies. She also prioritizes preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, according to CFR. Moreover, Harris condemned Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Hamas and its threats to Israel, according to LA Times.
While president, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, signed in 2025, and pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran, imposing several economic sanctions on the country. However, this has not altered Iran’s behavior of supporting militant groups in the region or hindered its nuclear ambitions.
In 2020, Trump ordered the assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, Qassim Soleimani.
Ukraine and Europe
Nearly three years into the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict stands as a point of disagreement between the US elections candidates. Harris said that the US will support Ukraine’s defensive efforts “for as long as it takes,” claiming that a Russian victory will pose a threat to the rest of Europe. She also vowed to continue US aid to the Ukrainian government.
On the other hand, Trump said that he would quickly bring the conflict to an end, without providing details, claiming that the war would have never happened if he was president. Ukraine sees Trump’s remarks as a hint to a potential cutoff of military aid to force it to agree to a deal that favors Russia, according to LA Times.
Furthermore, the former president said he would not commit to boosting military aid to Ukraine if reelected, suggesting that European countries should increase their contributions to defend Ukraine, according to CFR.
When it comes to Europe, Harris emphasized her strong support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and multilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Trump, while president, repeatedly threatened to abandon NATO, saying that “NATO is dead.” According to CFR, Trump says he will reconsider reducing the US’ involvement with the alliance.
China
Both candidates for the US elections 2024 have taken tough stances on China, a main competitor to the US in trade, defense and geopolitical alliances. With regards to this, Harris said she would make sure that the US “wins the competition for the 21st century,” claiming that China’s growing influence is the main national security threat to the US, according to CFR.
Harris called for “de-risking” with China and is expected to continue Biden’s trade restrictions on China, while strengthening diplomatic ties in the Asia-Pacific region, according to LA Times.
Meanwhile, Trump said he would pursue policies that will “completely eliminate dependence on China in all critical areas,” such as electronics, steel and pharmaceuticals.
When he was president, he started a trade war against China, by imposing tariffs. He suggested tripling these tariffs if reelected, according to CFR. He also said he would phase out the imports of essential goods from China through adopting a four-year plan.
