Stepping Out of Biden’s Shadow: Harris’s Defining Moment in Foreign Policy

In a transformational moment of her vice presidency, Kamala Harris is setting out from under the shadow of President Joe Biden and making her own distinctive mark in the world of international politics and foreign policy. Stepping up decisively, Harris is not just stepping away from Biden’s massive political legacy, but also diverging from his emphasis on U.S. foreign policies to an intense focus on pursuing diplomatic relationships and building alliances. Firstly, Harris’s foray into the realm of international politics signposts a pivotal shift from Biden’s approach to foreign policy, carving out a distinct and independent path. Under President Biden, the United States has prioritized restoring its position on the global stage following a period of geopolitical turbulence. Biden has re-engaged with multilateral organizations from which his predecessor had distanced the U.S., reinforcing age-old alliances that had been strained under previous leadership. With that said, Harris, on the other hand, is carving out her own niche within these broader foreign policy efforts. She’s showcasing a penchant for engaging more personally and intensively with key world leaders and displaying a resilient assertiveness when broaching challenging issues. Despite working closely with Biden, who possesses extensive experience in foreign affairs, Harris’s personal and unique approach differentiates her from her superior, a factor that could have far-reaching consequences as she navigates the choppy waters of international diplomacy. Secondly, Harris has shown herself to be more inclined towards fostering diplomatic relationships. She has been meeting with foreign leaders independently, even hosting the Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, at her residence, a move that was viewed as a clear statement about her diplomatic positioning and intentions. As a reflection of her intention to forge strong international relationships, these moves suggest a personal investment in engaging with the international community that deviates from, but also complements, Biden’s broader foreign policy trajectory. Thirdly, Harris is also expected to harness her prosecutorial skills from her tenure as California’s Attorney General in addressing foreign policy issues. During recent high-level meetings with key world leaders, Harris faced crucial tests where she needed to deliver hard messages, tackle diplomatic challenges head-on, and navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. In a marked departure from Biden’s diplomatic style, which emphasizes cautious and measured diplomacy, Harris’ approach leans more towards direct confrontation of issues. She’s likely to apply her legal background to ask the tough questions and pursue accountabilities – an approach that could infuse a breath of fresh air in international diplomacy. Lastly, Harris’s focus on building