Trump vs. Harris: How the Next U.S. President Could Reshape Global Conflicts
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Washington, D.C. — As the United States approaches its pivotal 2024 presidential election, the outcome could significantly impact the trajectory of some of the world’s deadliest and most complex conflicts — from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan.
With Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump facing off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5, global powers and vulnerable populations alike are watching closely. The role of the U.S. — long considered a superpower and global peace broker — remains critical in shaping wars and peace agreements across continents.
Israel’s Wars in Gaza and Lebanon
Both Trump and Harris have expressed unwavering support for Israel since the start of its war on Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 43,000 Palestinians, drawing international condemnation and debate over U.S. foreign policy.
Trump, during his previous term, moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognized it as Israel’s capital, and championed the Abraham Accords — normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states. He withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, aligning closely with Israeli interests.
While Trump has condemned Hamas, he has expressed little concern for Palestinian civilian casualties. Despite occasional tension with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump remains a vocal advocate for Israel’s military objectives, including a total victory over Hamas.
Harris, meanwhile, has voiced stronger concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She has pressed for a ceasefire and called the suffering of civilians “devastating.” Still, she has refrained from proposing any hard policy shifts, such as halting military aid to Israel, leaving many Arab and Muslim American voters disillusioned.
Russia-Ukraine War
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the U.S. continues to be Kyiv’s most vital military and financial backer. The next administration’s stance will likely determine whether Ukraine can maintain its defense or be forced into unfavorable negotiations with Moscow.
Trump has pledged to end the war “in 24 hours,” though he has offered no detailed plan. His running mate, Senator JD Vance, has suggested Trump would push for a demilitarized zone and might concede currently Russian-occupied territories to achieve peace — a move Kyiv strongly opposes.
Analysts warn that Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his opposition to U.S. aid packages could lead to a frozen conflict or even embolden future Russian aggression.
Harris, by contrast, has reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future NATO membership. She argues that a Ukrainian defeat would pave the way for further Russian expansion into Europe. Under her leadership, Kyiv is expected to receive continued U.S. support, though Republican resistance in Congress could present funding challenges.
Sudan’s Civil War
Sudan’s conflict, now the world’s largest displacement crisis, has received limited attention from both parties. Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have displaced more than 14 million people since April 2023.
Trump’s previous administration prioritized normalization with Israel over supporting Sudan’s transition to civilian rule. Critics argue this emboldened military leaders and contributed to the current civil war.
Harris, along with President Biden, has sanctioned Sudanese officials and entities backing the conflict but has yet to propose a comprehensive strategy for peace. While her administration has taken steps to curb the influence of foreign arms deals, observers note a lack of sustained diplomatic pressure to end the violence.
Global Stakes
The 2024 election could reshape U.S. foreign policy in profoundly different ways. A Trump administration may adopt a more transactional, isolationist approach, potentially ending conflicts through controversial concessions. A Harris presidency is expected to maintain multilateral cooperation but may face political hurdles in advancing more ambitious international initiatives.
As conflicts rage from Gaza to Eastern Europe to East Africa, millions await the results of a U.S. election that could determine whether their nations see war prolonged — or peace pursued.
