How the US election will shape America's global role - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

This discussion delves into the implications of Kamala Harris's potential presidency, contrasting her foreign policy views with those of President Biden. It highlights her generational perspective, suggesting she may approach international relations, particularly regarding Israel, with a more tempered stance. The conversation further explores the United States' inevitable involvement in global affairs, driven by technological competition and pressing crises that transcend borders. Despite political pressures to limit military engagement, the panel asserts that the U.S. will continue to play a crucial role in international decision-making, shaping its foreign policy for years to come.

Takeaways

• 😀 The leadership styles of President Biden and Vice President Harris are notably different, influenced by their generational perspectives.
• 🌍 Harris is perceived as less militaristic and more critical of military excesses compared to Biden, especially regarding U.S.-Israel relations.
• 🤔 There is uncertainty about how Harris would perform in a presidential role, particularly in terms of foreign policy commitments.
• 📰 The conversation indicates that foreign policy is often overshadowed by domestic issues in electoral politics, despite its significance.
• 🔍 U.S. involvement in global crises is inevitable due to its military and economic power, as well as the interconnected nature of modern challenges.
• 📈 Technological advancements and competition will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy over the next few decades.
• 🤝 The U.S. will always seek to be present in decision-making processes on the global stage, regardless of political pressures.
• 💡 The concept that 'foreign policy is domestic policy' suggests that international events directly impact U.S. domestic affairs.
• 🌐 Recent crises, such as the Ukraine war and climate change, illustrate the necessity for U.S. engagement beyond its borders.
• 🔗 The discussion emphasizes the ongoing need for the U.S. to navigate complex global dynamics while balancing domestic priorities.

Q & A

What are the key differences between President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding their foreign policy perspectives?

President Biden has a historical connection to Israel and a more traditional view on foreign policy, while Kamala Harris, coming of age in the post-Cold War era, may have a less sympathetic stance toward certain military actions.

How does the generational perspective of Kamala Harris influence her approach to foreign policy?

Harris's generational perspective may lead her to adopt a more modern and potentially less interventionist view compared to Biden, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward international engagement.

Why is it difficult to predict Kamala Harris's performance in a potential presidency?

There is uncertainty about how any president will act until they are in office, coupled with the fact that Harris has not made significant foreign policy pledges, making it hard to assess her likely actions.

What factors do the speakers believe will drive American involvement in international affairs in the coming decades?

The speakers assert that technological competition will be a primary driver of U.S. involvement in international affairs, making it challenging for the U.S. to remain disengaged from global issues.

How do current global crises challenge the notion of national borders?

Global crises such as pandemics, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts demonstrate that issues often transcend borders, requiring collective action and international cooperation.

What does Lyse mean by the statement, 'foreign policy is domestic policy'?

Lyse suggests that domestic issues influence foreign policy decisions and vice versa, highlighting the interconnectedness of national and international concerns.

In what ways do the speakers suggest that U.S. leaders may feel pressured to engage internationally?

Speakers believe that political imperatives and the necessity of U.S. involvement in decision-making processes will pressure leaders to engage in international affairs, even if they may prefer to avoid conflicts.

What role does military might play in U.S. foreign policy decisions?

The speakers argue that America's military power is a significant factor in its foreign policy, often compelling the U.S. to intervene in global issues based on its national interests.

What was the context of the discussion regarding the upcoming election and its focus on foreign affairs?

The discussion noted that while foreign affairs were a prominent topic in recent debates, the election is likely to be decided by domestic issues, indicating a possible disconnect between political rhetoric and voter priorities.

What is the significance of technology in shaping future U.S. foreign policy?

Technology is expected to become a critical factor in determining how the U.S. engages with the world, as advancements in technology can influence economic and military competitiveness on a global scale.