The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are expected to be significant factors for voters in the upcoming November elections. Voters will consider the different foreign policy approaches of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Experts from Northwestern University have shared their insights on a recent report by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy and current threats facing the U.S.

Political scientist William Reno stated, "The November election is consequential…Harris is in line with Biden policy. Trump is much harder to read." He explained that the Biden administration has focused on competition with China as a national security threat, contrasting with the Obama administration's engagement strategy. Reno noted that Trump's approach was more aggressive rhetorically but lacked concrete policy actions. He emphasized that major geopolitical shifts often bring disruption, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union as an example. Reno suggested that China's rise poses significant concerns, with U.S. policy aiming to prevent any renegotiation of global order.

Reno further commented on Trump's unpredictable stance: "He says he is an isolationist, meaning he'd be less likely to contest the advance of China's global power... My guess is he’s hard to read in Beijing."

Reno holds positions as a professor of political science and chair of the department at Northwestern University, with extensive research experience in conflict zones.

Ian Kelly, retired Ambassador in Residence at Northwestern University, highlighted challenges posed by revisionist powers like Russia and Iran. He remarked, "The next U.S. President will have a choice: either work with allies to push back aggression …or apply pressure on Ukraine and Israel to freeze their conflicts in a cease-fire." Kelly pointed out that these powers perceive a lack of political will from the U.S., presenting difficult decisions for future leadership.

Kelly served as U.S. Ambassador to Georgia from 2015-2018 and held various roles at the U.S. State Department.

Both experts can be contacted through Stephanie Kulke at stephanie.kulke@northwestern.edu.