Foreign Policy in 2028
America's role in the world, alliances, military posture, and how the U.S. engages with adversaries and partners.
The 2020s saw American foreign policy pulled between competing visions - a more interventionist internationalist approach that emphasized alliances and multilateral institutions on one side, and a more restrained or America-first approach skeptical of foreign commitments on the other.
NATO, the role of U.S. military presence overseas, relationships with traditional allies in Europe and Asia, and the appropriate use of sanctions and military power all became contested questions. The emergence of a more assertive China and a renewed Russian threat reshaped alliance discussions.
2028 candidates will face a world that may look significantly different from the one that existed when the campaign begins, with ongoing conflicts, shifting alliances, and competition for influence across multiple regions.
Why it matters in 2028
The next president will inherit a complex international environment that has been reshaped by war in Europe, great-power competition with China, and a domestic debate over the costs and benefits of American global engagement. Voters increasingly disagree over whether the U.S. should maintain its traditional leadership role.
How each party frames foreign policy
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats broadly favor maintaining U.S. international commitments, investing in alliances like NATO, and engaging in multilateral institutions. Many in the party view American leadership as essential to managing global challenges like climate, health, and security. Democrats often emphasize diplomacy and a rules-based international order, while supporting military strength as a component of deterrence. There is internal debate about the scope of military commitments.
Republican approach
Republicans are divided between traditional internationalists who support a strong U.S. role in alliances and a more nationalist wing skeptical of entangling commitments and unconditional support for foreign partners. The party broadly supports a strong military while questioning whether the U.S. is getting sufficient burden-sharing from allies. Some Republicans argue for a more selective and transactional approach to international engagement.
Who is in the field on foreign policy
No party has nominated a 2028 candidate yet. As contenders formally declare and stake out positions on foreign policy, each candidate profile will be updated. The leading contenders so far:
Democratic contenders
- Gavin NewsomLikely to run
- Kamala HarrisLikely to run
- Pete ButtigiegLikely to run
- Alexandria Ocasio-CortezLikely to run
- Josh ShapiroLikely to run
Republican contenders
- JD VanceLikely to run
- Marco RubioLikely to run
- Ron DeSantisLikely to run
- Ted CruzPossible
- Rand PaulPossible
Tracker updated July 14, 2026. Click any name to see their full profile, background, and current status.
What 2028 will have to answer on foreign policy
- Should the U.S. maintain or reduce its military presence overseas?
- What is the right level of American involvement in foreign conflicts?
- How would candidates approach NATO and alliance relationships?
- What would each candidate's foreign policy look like in broad terms?
- Is the U.S. doing too much, too little, or the right amount internationally?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.