This is the conflict-ridden, tension-filled world that the next US president may have to face

Harris, on the other hand, may find international issues to be something of a hurdle. She has yet to release a platform on issues like Ukraine and Russia, China, and North Korea, and it’s unclear how many, if any, of her policies will align with President Joe Biden’s approach.

But either Trump or Harris will likely find foreign policy at the forefront of their presidencies as the world changes — and with some conflicts on the brink or ongoing, these are some of the biggest problems that could be awaiting whoever sits in the Oval Office next.

Russia and the Ukraine war

Issues in the Indo-Pacific region, especially related to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, as well as other regional US allies, are likely to be important matters facing the next president as well.

The Pentagon has long identified this region as its primary focus, even as other conflicts around the world often pull its attention away, and all branches of the US military have stepped up training, exercises, and strategies to deter the US’ pacing challenge, China.

The ongoing clashes between China and the Philippines in contested waters in the South China Sea are rooted in long-standing disputes and have the potential to escalate into conflict, which could draw the US in through its mutual defense pact.

Recently, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command even suggested it’s possible the US could send ships to escort Philippine vessels to protect them from Chinese harassment, essentially putting the US in the middle of this South China Sea standoff.

Another potential flashpoint is a possible Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, relentlessly seeking unification. China has repeatedly stated that unification with the autonomous island nation is inevitable, even if it must be done by force. The US military has said that China aims to be ready for such a fight by 2027.

Beijing’s intimidation tactics, including large military exercises and constant incursions in Taiwan’s waters and airspace, have raised concerns over how Beijing would use its military to force Taiwan into submission.

Trump and Harris again differ on the US role in this region. Trump has shown less support for alliances, left ambiguity around US defense commitments to Taiwan, and said Taiwan should pay the US for its support. Harris has repeatedly called out China’s aggressive behavior in the region and aligns with Biden on support for Taiwan.

The ongoing crises in the Middle East

North Korea has bounced back from failed negotiations with the US and the isolation of COVID, establishing new, potentially fruitful connections with Russia through arms deals. Those ties have China engaging Pyongyang as well, leaving it, as one expert said earlier this year, “sitting pretty.”

North Korea has been emboldened, setting in stone its nuclear status and continuing to advance its missile programs while notably strengthening its relationship with US rivals.

Additionally, North Korean provocations persist amid growing concerns about inter-Korean conflict, which would, as it did in the 1950s, inevitably draw in the US in response.

Trump and Harris may be more aligned on their North Korean policy than other issues, but US policy with regard to North Korea has traditionally been a pitfall, with displays of force and demands for it to denuclearize often failing. Negotiations have also been unsuccessful.

In shaping US policy, the next president could also face challenges with South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol, a hawk who has taken a harsher stance on North Korea than the previous administration, requiring the delicate navigation of bilateral relations.

Both Trump and Harris find themselves running for president at a particular tense time in global politics. Amid a number of challenges at home, US attention is being pulled in a variety of directions.

Whoever wins the 2024 presidential election this November will have to consider how to manage these issues along with the US position on the world stage. And their decisions could impact not just the US, but allies, partners, and adversaries as well.