Mike Pence’s Foreign Policy Vision: America’s Role in the World

Former Vice Former President Pence has made it clear that voters face a stark choice between two distinct visions for the future of the Republican Party. Nowhere is that difference more critical than in foreign policy. Many candidates in the 2024 Republican primary embraced a dangerous isolationist approach that would imperil America and strengthen its enemies.

Simply put, appeasement is not a foreign policy. Ignoring threats and placating adversaries is a foolish and dangerous strategy. If America abandons the world stage, it creates a vacuum that will be filled by hostile powers, making the U.S. and its allies less safe. Former President Pence made it clear during his campaign that he would not let that happen.

Conservatism vs. Populism: The Mike Pence Perspective from the 2024 Campaign

Mike Pence firmly rejected populist foreign policies based on avoiding global engagement at all costs. He warned that a weak foreign policy would allow adversaries to spread their influence unchecked until their aggression directly threatens the United States.

The world remains a dangerous place. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and issued nuclear threats. Communist China increased military spending dramatically as it prepares to take over the free nation of Taiwan. Meanwhile, the previous administration funneled billions of dollars to hostile regimes like Iran, funding groups that seek to harm America and its allies.

History teaches that ignoring these threats emboldens our enemies. If Putin is allowed to take Ukraine, what will stop him from attacking NATO allies like Poland, Estonia, or Latvia? At that point, American commitments could force direct U.S. military involvement.

Mike Pence’s Proposed First-Day Executive Actions: What They Meant for America

Peace through American leadership does not mean acting as the world’s police. America’s role in foreign affairs should focus on protecting national security. Through clear objectives, firm resolve, and the strongest military on earth, the U.S. can lead without placing American troops in unnecessary danger. Preventing war through strength is far smarter than reacting to crises caused by weakness.

Former President Pence outlined an aggressive foreign policy agenda to reestablish American leadership, weaken adversaries, and ensure the security of U.S. citizens. His strategy included the following key policies:

Global Military Leadership

Increase military spending to at least 3.5% of GDP. This would infuse an immediate $1.2 trillion in defense funding, offset by cuts in other areas. Higher spending would be required in times of heightened threats.
Rebuild the Navy and shipbuilding capabilities. America lacks the capacity to build the ships necessary for national defense. Former President Pence proposed investing in a fifth military shipyard and expanding civilian shipyards to meet the Navy’s target of 355 ships.
End wasteful and ideological programs at the Department of Defense. Non-military initiatives, such as funding for abortion, transgender surgeries, and diversity training, drain scarce resources. The military’s focus must return to national defense.
Replenish ammunition and weapons stockpiles. The depletion of strategic weapons endangers national security. Former President Pence proposed funding stockpile restoration through arms sales to allies.
Invest in long-term defense industry infrastructure. The U.S. defense manufacturing base must be strengthened to prevent reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure rapid production capabilities in times of crisis.

Countering China’s Aggression

Sell every necessary weapon to Taiwan. The U.S. must fulfill its $19 billion backlog in arms sales to Taiwan, ensuring it can defend itself from Chinese aggression.
Repatriate high-tech supply chains. The American reliance on China for semiconductors, rare earth minerals, and batteries is a national security risk. Former President Pence pledged to bring these supply chains back to the U.S.
Protect Americans from Chinese cyber threats. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses civilian apps like TikTok to conduct espionage on American citizens. Former President Pence called for banning CCP-owned technology.
Stop the flow of fentanyl from China. The fentanyl crisis has killed over 100,000 Americans annually. Former President Pence proposed using military force to shut down the supply chain.
Ban China from purchasing U.S. farmland. Chinese ownership of 200,000 acres of American farmland presents a strategic risk. This land must remain in American hands.
Close human rights loopholes. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act must be strengthened to ensure that Chinese slave labor goods do not enter the U.S. through shipping loopholes.

Supporting Allies Around the World

Continue military aid to Ukraine until Russia surrenders. American support has led to the destruction of over 11,000 Russian military assets and 300,000 casualties—without U.S. troops being deployed.
Unwavering support for Israel. Israel is America’s most important ally in the Middle East. The Pence Administration would have ensured strong military and diplomatic backing.
Bolster Taiwan’s defenses. Strategic weapons transfers, cyber defense initiatives, and joint military training would have been expanded.
Use economic leverage to strengthen allies. The U.S. should use trade agreements to bolster security relationships with friendly nations while isolating adversaries.

Securing the Border

Reinstate the Remain in Mexico Policy. Asylum seekers must stay in Mexico while their claims are processed rather than being released into the U.S.
Restart border wall construction. Funding legally appropriated for border security must be used to complete the protective barriers.
Detain and deport illegal immigrants at the border. With over 79,652 migrants released into the U.S. in June 2022 alone, border enforcement must be strengthened.
Deploy National Guard troops to border states. States should have direct federal support to combat illegal crossings and drug trafficking.
Use military force against cartels. Special forces must be deployed to dismantle drug trafficking operations at their source.

Economic and Energy Independence

Ensure the U.S. remains a net energy exporter. Under the previous administration, China gained critical energy footholds while the U.S. reduced production. Former President Pence pledged to maximize domestic energy production.
End reliance on OPEC. Executive orders limiting domestic oil drilling must be reversed to prevent dependence on adversarial nations.
Address the unsustainable national debt. The $33 trillion debt threatens national security. Former President Pence committed to making tough fiscal decisions to curb deficit spending.
Stop China from profiting from U.S. green energy subsidies. Former President Biden’s policies allowed Chinese firms to receive billions in subsidies. These must be banned.

Sources & References

Disclaimer: This article provides an independent analysis of Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign proposals. It serves as an informational and historical reference only. The content does not reflect current U.S. government policies, nor does it imply any endorsement or affiliation in 2025 or beyond. Any discussion of past administrations is solely within the context of the 2024 election cycle. This website operates as an independent news platform and is not affiliated with Mike Pence, any political party, or any government entity.