Key Takeaways:
– Contrary to popular belief, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have more foreign policy parallels than differences.
– Both presidents exhibit strong support for Israel.
– Trump’s ambitions for a new Iran deal emulate Biden’s unfulfilled attempts.
– Both leaders maintained similar stances on Cuba and Venezuela.
– Rising anxieties loom over US-EU relations amidst Trump’s hint at a NATO withdrawal.
Despite the constant bickering and apparent polarities, President-elect Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden may get along more when it comes to foreign policy considerations. Let’s dive into a few parallels in their policies, proving that their foreign affairs strategies are not as different as they seem.
Unwavering Support for Israel
Trump claims to be Israel’s greatest ally in American politics. He hints at providing significant freedom to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in handling security-related concerns and his interactions with Palestinians. Interestingly, Biden, too, didn’t hold back much in backing Netanyahu, despite express disapproval of his actions in Gaza.
A Turning Point in Iran Policy?
In yet another striking similarity, both presidents show intent to strike a deal with Iran. Trump, who previously abolished Obama’s denuclearization deal and imposed sanctions on Iran, now advocates for a fresh pact. Despite his criticism of Biden for reportedly lifting the sanctions (which, in fact, never occurred), he now seems to follow in Biden’s footsteps. Although Biden failed to secure a new deal with Iran, Trump aims to avoid an ‘impossible’ outcome of Iran owning nuclear weapons.
However, Trump’s stand could bring distress as he harps on inflation and high gas prices. A tussle with Iran might escalate these issues.
The China Quandary and Taiwan
Taiwan falls into a “wild card” category, sparking several debates. Despite Trump’s perceived ambivalence, Biden stood firm in supporting Taiwan’s democracy against China’s growing pressures. But given Trump’s China hardliner appointees, his position might be more complex than it currently appears.
Decades-Old Blockade Reinstated in Cuba
Trump reversed Obama’s diplomatic outreach to Cuba by reinstating a decades-long economic blockade. Intriguingly, Biden did not attempt to alter this course. Simply put, he continued Trump’s policy.
Venezuela: No Change, No Relief
In line with the Cuba narrative, Biden also upheld heavy sanctions on Venezuela, initially imposed by Trump to dislodge its authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro.
US-Europe Relations: A Tense Environment
While similarities persist, one particular anomaly in Trump’s foreign policy, causing angst globally, is his stance towards the US-European relations. Expressing wish to withdraw from NATO has stirred unease. Even though most consider it to be mere bluster, the ambiguity and anxiety persist.
In conclusion, even though Trump has persistently criticized Biden’s foreign policy, their strategies are more correlated than contrasted. From Israel to Cuba and Iran, both leaders have shared a remarkably similar stance. However, the tension around US-Europe relations, ignited by Trump’s controversial statements on NATO, indeed remains a wild card to watch.