In the wake of President Biden's announcement that he will not be seeking reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. As she steps into the spotlight, let's take a closer look at her work on foreign policy over the last three and a half years.

One of the key areas Harris has focused on is the U.S. border and immigration from South and Central America. Assigned by the Biden administration, she has been addressing the root causes of irregular migration, which she identifies as corruption and lack of economic opportunity in certain countries. Harris has made two trips to Latin America, visiting Mexico and Guatemala in 2021, and Honduras in 2022. During her visit to Guatemala, she sent a strong message to those considering unauthorized border crossings, declaring, "Do not come." In Mexico, Harris revealed that the U.S. would be investing millions of dollars to enhance worker protections and push for labor reforms. She also announced joint partnerships with Mexico to foster economic opportunities in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador through agriculture and youth empowerment.

China and its growing influence have been a recurring topic for Harris. She has expressed concerns about Beijing's coercion and claims in the South China Sea, calling them a threat to the rules-based order and the sovereignty of nations. Harris's visit to Singapore and Vietnam in 2021 aimed to curb Chinese influence and reassure nervous Asian allies. She emphasized the United States' enduring engagement in the region, highlighting the importance of an open and free Indo-Pacific region and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. In 2022, she affirmed the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to Taiwan's self-defense, consistent with longstanding policy.

NATO and the ongoing war in Ukraine have also been on Harris's agenda. She has unequivocally voiced support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the transatlantic NATO alliance. At the Munich Security Conference in 2022, as Russia massed troops along Ukraine's border, Harris declared that America's commitment to Article 5, the mutual defense clause in the NATO charter, is ironclad and sacrosanct.

Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the wider Middle East, Harris has expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself but has also emphasized the importance of protecting innocent civilians. She reiterated the goal of a two-state solution and the need for a hopeful political horizon, economic opportunity, and freedom for Palestinians. Some experts note that Harris may differ slightly from President Biden's approach to Israel, with former director Josh Paul stating her focus on cease-fires and Palestinian humanitarian issues. However, he also emphasized that Harris would maintain the U.S.'s strong support for Israel.

As Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage as a potential Democratic nominee, her work in foreign policy, particularly on immigration, China, NATO, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, will undoubtedly shape the future direction of U.S. engagement with the world.