Kamala Harris's Evolution in Foreign Diplomacy: From Supportive Role to Distinct Approach

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Kamala Harris has undergone a significant transformation in her understanding and execution of foreign diplomacy since becoming Vice President. Initially, her role was largely supportive, aligning closely with President Biden's foreign policy. However, over time, she has carved out her own distinct approach, particularly in areas where she has shown a willingness to diverge from Biden's stance.

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Key Aspects of Harris's Foreign Diplomacy Training and Experience

Meeting World Leaders and Global Engagement:
- Harris has met with over 150 world leaders, which has provided her with extensive exposure to global issues and diplomatic practices. This experience has been crucial in shaping her understanding of international relations and the complexities of global politics.

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Role in Key Global Conflicts:
- Harris has been actively involved in the US response to various global conflicts. She has acted as a "clean-up artist" and bearer of bad news on behalf of Biden, traditional roles for a vice president. This has included significant involvement in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Distinct Approach in the Middle East:
- Harris has shown a more empathetic tone towards the plight of Palestinians compared to Biden. While she has reiterated her support for Israel, she has also been vocal about the suffering of Palestinian civilians, a stance that has set her apart from Biden. This was evident in her remarks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where she emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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Learning on the Job:
- Harris did not enter her role with vast experience on the world stage. However, she has managed to turn her supporting role into a crash course in foreign diplomacy. Her advisers and foreign officials have noted her ability to adapt and learn quickly, which has been essential in her development as a diplomat.
Influence of Personal Background:
- Harris's background as the daughter of immigrants has influenced her worldview. She is not of the Cold War generation and is mindful of the changing global landscape. This perspective has informed her approach to international issues, making her more attuned to the needs and perspectives of diverse global communities.
Prosecutorial Background:
- Harris's career as a prosecutor has also shaped her foreign policy approach. Her focus on international rules and norms, as well as her work on intelligence and cybersecurity, has been critical in her development as a diplomat. This background has given her a unique lens through which she views international issues.
Distinctive Rhetoric and Policy:
- While Harris has largely aligned with Biden's foreign policy, there are subtle differences in her rhetoric and approach. She has been more vocal about human rights issues and has shown a willingness to address the root causes of global conflicts. This has been evident in her efforts to engage with the Arab American community in the US and her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Future Prospects:
- As she transitions from Vice President to a potential presidential candidate, Harris's foreign policy is likely to evolve further. Her unique blend of empathy, pragmatism, and a focus on human rights could set a new tone for US foreign policy, distinguishing her from both Biden and Trump.

In summary, Kamala Harris's yearslong crash course in foreign diplomacy has been marked by significant learning, adaptation, and a gradual emergence of her own distinct approach. Her background, experiences, and personal values have all played a role in shaping her diplomatic style, making her a unique and influential figure on the global stage.

Kamala Harris's Evolution in Foreign Diplomacy: From Supportive Role to Distinct Approach

Preview

Key Aspects of Harris's Foreign Diplomacy Training and Experience

Meeting World Leaders and Global Engagement:
- Harris has met with over 150 world leaders, which has provided her with extensive exposure to global issues and diplomatic practices. This experience has been crucial in shaping her understanding of international relations and the complexities of global politics.

Preview

Role in Key Global Conflicts:
- Harris has been actively involved in the US response to various global conflicts. She has acted as a "clean-up artist" and bearer of bad news on behalf of Biden, traditional roles for a vice president. This has included significant involvement in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Distinct Approach in the Middle East:
- Harris has shown a more empathetic tone towards the plight of Palestinians compared to Biden. While she has reiterated her support for Israel, she has also been vocal about the suffering of Palestinian civilians, a stance that has set her apart from Biden. This was evident in her remarks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where she emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Preview

Learning on the Job:
- Harris did not enter her role with vast experience on the world stage. However, she has managed to turn her supporting role into a crash course in foreign diplomacy. Her advisers and foreign officials have noted her ability to adapt and learn quickly, which has been essential in her development as a diplomat.
Influence of Personal Background:
- Harris's background as the daughter of immigrants has influenced her worldview. She is not of the Cold War generation and is mindful of the changing global landscape. This perspective has informed her approach to international issues, making her more attuned to the needs and perspectives of diverse global communities.
Prosecutorial Background:
- Harris's career as a prosecutor has also shaped her foreign policy approach. Her focus on international rules and norms, as well as her work on intelligence and cybersecurity, has been critical in her development as a diplomat. This background has given her a unique lens through which she views international issues.
Distinctive Rhetoric and Policy:
- While Harris has largely aligned with Biden's foreign policy, there are subtle differences in her rhetoric and approach. She has been more vocal about human rights issues and has shown a willingness to address the root causes of global conflicts. This has been evident in her efforts to engage with the Arab American community in the US and her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Future Prospects:
- As she transitions from Vice President to a potential presidential candidate, Harris's foreign policy is likely to evolve further. Her unique blend of empathy, pragmatism, and a focus on human rights could set a new tone for US foreign policy, distinguishing her from both Biden and Trump.