National Security and Foreign Policy in the 2024 Election: Growing Concerns
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, national security and foreign policy have become key issues shaping the debate between candidates. With rising tensions in global hotspots, cybersecurity threats, and shifting international alliances, voters are increasingly concerned about how the next president will safeguard the nation’s interests at home and abroad.
National Security: Addressing Emerging Threats
National security concerns are at the forefront of the 2024 election cycle, with both major candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—offering differing approaches to safeguarding the country. From cybersecurity threats to military readiness, national security is no longer just about traditional defense mechanisms; it also includes securing critical infrastructure, combating terrorism, and responding to non-state actors that pose increasing risks.
Under Harris, the Biden administration has prioritized strengthening alliances with NATO, bolstering cybersecurity efforts, and confronting threats like domestic extremism and international terrorism. Harris supports increasing defense budgets to modernize military capabilities, including advanced weaponry and intelligence technologies. Moreover, her administration has focused on securing the nation’s digital infrastructure, as cyberattacks from adversaries like Russia and China have become more frequent and sophisticated.
In contrast, Trump’s approach to national security emphasizes a more unilateral stance, promoting “America First” policies. He argues that the U.S. should adopt a stronger posture against adversaries while being cautious about entanglements in foreign conflicts. Trump advocates for a more robust defense strategy, including expanding military spending, but his focus is on border security and reducing foreign aid. He also stresses the importance of safeguarding U.S. interests against cyber threats but remains critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the issue.
Foreign Policy: America’s Role in a Changing World
Foreign policy is another crucial area where the 2024 election could bring significant change. As global challenges—such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the rise of authoritarian regimes—continue to evolve, the next president will have to navigate a rapidly shifting international landscape.
Harris has championed a multilateral approach to foreign policy, emphasizing alliances with European countries, promoting diplomacy, and reinforcing global institutions like the United Nations. Her administration has worked to counter the influence of China and Russia through trade agreements, strategic partnerships, and engagement in global climate and health initiatives. The Biden administration’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been to provide extensive support to NATO allies, imposing sanctions on Russia and supplying military aid to Ukraine, while simultaneously seeking to deter further aggression in the region.
Trump’s foreign policy vision, on the other hand, is centered around strengthening America’s position in the world through a more confrontational and transactional approach. His administration’s “America First” mantra continues to shape his perspective, where he prioritizes U.S. interests over global cooperation. Trump’s foreign policy in 2024 reflects a desire to reassert U.S. dominance, particularly in the context of global trade and defense. He is critical of multilateral organizations like the United Nations and NATO, calling for reforms or a reevaluation of the U.S.’s involvement in these groups. His stance on China remains hawkish, advocating for tariffs and economic sanctions, while his approach to Russia is more complicated, as he has been a vocal defender of engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Threat in National Defense
As technology advances, cybersecurity has become a critical element of national security. Both candidates recognize the importance of defending the U.S. from cyberattacks, which increasingly target vital infrastructure, businesses, and government systems. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and election interference have highlighted the need for a more robust cybersecurity strategy.
Harris has supported legislation to increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to improve cybersecurity defenses. Her administration has also prioritized working with private companies to strengthen critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. Under Biden, the government has launched initiatives to protect elections from foreign interference, which continues to be a priority heading into the 2024 election.
Trump has often claimed that the current administration has not done enough to combat cyber threats and has called for increased penalties for cybercriminals and nation-state actors involved in digital warfare. He has emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach to cyber defense, including better coordination between federal agencies and the private sector.
The Middle East and Asia: U.S. Strategy in Key Regions
The Middle East and Asia remain focal points in the 2024 election. Harris’s foreign policy has sought to maintain stability in the Middle East through diplomacy, supporting U.S. military presence in the region while also pushing for human rights and democratic reforms in countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Her administration has maintained an emphasis on rejoining global climate agreements and fostering cooperation in Asia through the Quad alliance (U.S., Japan, India, and Australia) to counter China’s growing influence.
Trump’s foreign policy in the Middle East was characterized by a more hands-off approach, with a focus on withdrawing U.S. troops from conflict zones and reducing U.S. involvement in international peacekeeping efforts. He also brokered agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, which he claims were among the successes of his presidency. Trump’s 2024 platform is likely to revisit his “America First” philosophy, advocating for more disengagement from foreign military entanglements and encouraging allies to take a greater share of defense responsibilities.
In Asia, both candidates are expected to address the growing challenge posed by China, especially regarding trade, military presence in the South China Sea, and issues related to Taiwan. Harris supports a strong, multilateral response to Chinese aggression and seeks to strengthen economic partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump, on the other hand, has been highly critical of China’s economic and military ambitions, particularly in terms of trade imbalances and intellectual property theft. His strategy likely includes aggressive trade policies and military posturing in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China’s growing influence.
The Future of U.S. National Security and Foreign Relations
As both candidates prepare for the 2024 election, national security and foreign policy will continue to be at the heart of the debate. Whether it’s confronting cyberattacks, defending democracy in foreign nations, or addressing global power shifts, the next U.S. president will have a critical role in shaping America’s standing on the world stage.
As voters consider these issues, they will weigh the contrasting foreign policy approaches of Harris and Trump—one focused on multilateralism, diplomacy, and alliances, and the other on unilateralism, military readiness, and an “America First” mentality. How these strategies play out in the 2024 election will undoubtedly have significant implications for America’s national security in the years to come.