Kamala Harris’s Evolving Role in U.S. Foreign Policy

Kamala Harris’s Role in Foreign Policy

Like many vice presidents before her, Kamala Harris was not initially given extensive leeway in the realm of foreign policy. President Biden, with his significant international experience, took pride in his ability to connect with global leaders, which often relegated Harris to a more supportive role. However, her impact in this capacity has been noteworthy.

Through more than 30 interviews conducted with officials across four continents—including foreign heads of state, senior diplomats, and activists who have interacted with her—the portrayal of Harris emerges as multifaceted. She exhibits a blend of warmth and steeliness, authority, and approachability, making her a complex figure on the international stage.

Harris has frequently represented the United States during her travels across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, engaging with over 150 world leaders. Her participation in three Munich Security Conferences—a crucial annual gathering for top-level foreign policy officials to collaborate on Western defense strategies—has further solidified her presence. Recently, she has taken on a more active role in dialogues concerning critical global conflicts, particularly those in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Domestically, Harris has adopted a more assertive stance regarding the situation of Palestinians, contrasting with Biden’s more measured approach. After a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, she made headlines by stating that she would “not be silent” about the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians in Gaza, indicating her willingness to speak out on contentious issues.

Regarding her foreign policy responsibilities, Harris has primarily focused on Central America, a task assigned to her by Biden aimed at improving conditions in the region. Her initiatives have targeted critical issues such as poverty and corruption, with the goal of discouraging families from making the perilous journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite a surge in illegal crossings, she has faced criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, who argue she should have been more engaged in enforcement efforts; her team maintains that such enforcement was not part of her designated role.

In any administration, foreign policy is a complex arena, often crowded with various voices and responsibilities. The roles of the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser are typically more central in daily operations, leading some foreign officials to perceive Harris as less of a key player in global leadership dynamics.