The United States is on the brink of change. The upcoming elections are expected to bring about a shift in U.S. foreign policy, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerges as the next president.
The decisions made in Washington will have a direct impact on Wellington. While the Biden administration initially focused heavily on the Indo-Pacific region, recent events in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran and Israel, have diverted attention elsewhere.
There are indications that Harris may take a tougher stance on Israel compared to Biden. Her remarks at the Democratic National Convention in August expressed concern for the suffering in Gaza and emphasized the Palestinians’ right to dignity and self-determination.
However, differences between Harris and Biden remain uncertain. While Harris has shown a willingness to criticize Israel, she has also reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend itself, a sentiment shared by both Biden and Trump.
Trump has positioned himself as a protector of Israel and blamed Iran for regional instability. His focus on using military force rather than diplomacy in resolving conflicts sets him apart from the other candidates.
In the midst of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine is reaching a critical point. Both candidates have expressed varying levels of support for Ukraine, but their approaches differ significantly.
New Zealand’s alignment with the United States has intensified under the Biden administration, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The growing partnership between the two countries has implications for the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The emphasis on alliances and security cooperation characterizes Biden’s approach, with initiatives like AUKUS symbolizing the pushback against China’s influence. New Zealand’s involvement in such partnerships is expected to deepen, regardless of the election outcome.
The potential impact of the election results on New Zealand’s foreign policy decisions, particularly in relation to China and the Indo-Pacific region, underscores the significance of the upcoming presidential election.
This article was originally published by the Democracy Project, which seeks to encourage critical thinking and engagement in New Zealand’s democracy and public life.