Kamala Harris' foreign policy a 'mix of might and right'

How she would approach America's relationships in the world

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, left, and US Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands during a meeting in the Vice President's Ceremonial Office in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, July 25, 2024
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, and Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands during a meeting in the Vice President's Ceremonial Office in Washington, DC, on Thursday, July 25, 2024
(Image credit: Kenny Holston / The New York Times / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kamala Harris "would pursue an evolution rather than a revolution" in America's relationships in the world if she becomes president, Josh Rogin said at The Washington Post. Vice presidents don't make foreign policy — they help implement a president's vision. That has been Harris' role under President Joe Biden for the last four years. Now, though, she's preparing to outline a foreign policy agenda that offers "both continuity with the Biden administration and modulation where his policy has fallen short."

Harris has signaled that her candidacy offers a "chance to reset" a Middle East policy that has alienated progressive Democrats, said NBC News. "Israel has a right to defend itself," she said after a meeting last month with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But, Harris added: "We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering" of Palestinians. That's a sign that her foreign policy views differ "more on tone than on substance" from Biden's approach. 

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Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.