Foreign Policy on the Ballot in 2024
The idea that the 2024 presidential election will be an unprecedented spectacle is not novel.
One aspect that makes this election cycle unique is the focus on foreign policy.
Traditionally, American voters do not prioritize foreign policy issues and instead base their vote on domestic economic or social topics. Recent polling contradicts this precedent, suggesting that American voters increasingly prioritize foreign policy when considering how to vote this November.
Contributing to the stakes of this election and its residual global impacts are the stark differences between the platforms of the prospective candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Trump has not been shy in threatening existing relationships, proclaiming an “America First” platform. Biden has supported the opposite ideology, basing his campaign on a global pro-democracy crusade.
Thus far, Biden’s stance on foreign policy during his presidency has been characterized by his commitment to sending aid to Ukraine and signifying the administration’s continued support of Israel’s war in Gaza. Biden justifies U.S. involvement overseas to preserve democracy both at home and across the globe.
However, with Russia's continued occupation of Ukraine, voters, especially among younger demographics, question the necessity of America's presence in international conflicts. They are also displeased with how the Biden administration has handled issues of human rights violations in Gaza.
The hesitation surrounding Biden’s views on foreign policy is not to say that voters are clearly siding with Trump’s campaign. Many are wary of Trump’s affairs with North Korea and his controversial views on bringing the U.S. closer to Russia and China, whom Biden contrastingly poses as the greatest threats to America.
America's commitment to NATO also hangs in the balance of the election. Trump, consistently NATO’s loudest critic, has stated that, if elected, his administration will continue to “fundamentally reevaluate” NATO’s purpose and mission.
“Fundamentally,” meaning that the U.S. will abandon NATO entirely should Trump be elected.
On the other side of the ballot, Biden has publicly slammed the Trump administration’s “dangerous,” “shameful,” and “un-American” views on NATO, emphasizing his value of America’s continuation in the partnership.
Finding one issue of common ground, both Biden and Trump have signaled their support of Israel with the conflict occurring in Gaza. However, seemingly avoiding extreme controversy this early in the election cycle, neither candidate has fully elaborated on what “support” would entail, erring on the side of caution by keeping details relatively vague.
The 2024 election and the two candidates have served to divide America further.
One aspect of this election cycle that many Americans agree on is the gut-wrenching feeling that casting a vote merely chooses the lesser of two evils.
While the two opposing foreign policy stances will likely not cause any positive change to this dismal sentiment, one positive that may come from this presidential election is an increase in American interest in international relations.