Key Takeaways:
– President Biden’s upcoming speech will focus on strong global alliances and his attempt to bolster America’s leadership role in the world.
– The President reentered alliances and treaties from which the Trump administration had withdrawn, highlighting his outreach to allies rather than isolationist tendencies.
– Biden’s stance on Ukraine, Israel-Hamas conflict, Afghanistan withdrawal, and relationship with China shaped his foreign policy legacy.
Reasserting America’s Global Influence
President Joe Biden is all set to delve into his legacy on foreign policy in his farewell address slated for Monday at the State Department. This speech is likely to highlight his administration’s investment in strengthening global alliances and his continued efforts to reestablish America as a vital player on the world stage.
Biden assumed office four years ago amidst global discord and abandoned treaties by the preceding Trump administration. He sought to fortify relationships with NATO leaders, facing the formidable challenge of Russia’s invasion against Ukraine. The President’s avowing reentry into the Paris climate agreement was also a significant decision. However, as the world prepares for President-elect Donald Trump’s impending inauguration, the road ahead remains uncertain.
A Strategy of Global Outreach
Biden’s administration believes that the security of American interests lies in extending open arms to allied nations, rather than retreating into an isolationist stance. The President himself credits his long tenure in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with providing him the insight required to navigate crucial changes in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Far East.
Biden’s first foreign policy speech in 2021 emphasized tying domestic and foreign policy interests. This focus, unfortunately, was disrupted by crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Ukraine, Russia and NATO
Biden’s administration has been a consistent pillar of support for Ukraine, especially during the Russian invasion. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Biden became the first president to visit a conflict zone where U.S. troops were not involved, and he directed over $183 billion dollars in military aid since Russia’s invasion in 2021.
Despite strong backing, the battle rages on in Ukraine with no concrete plan for peace in sight. Critics argue against his administration’s initial hesitation to send lethal weapons and subsequent high expenditure on Ukraine aid, but Biden’s team maintains that his actions have preserved Ukraine’s independence and curbed Russian ambitions.
Israel-Hamas Conflict
Following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, Biden’s administration asserted Israel’s right to self-defense, extending billions in military assistance. Despite a humanitarian crisis due to Israel’s war on Gaza, the administration’s stance remained unchanged. Critics argue that Biden relinquished his leverage over Israel by offering immediate military support, and then critiquing Israel’s government actions from the outside.
Afghanistan Withdrawal
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a significant failure in Biden’s foreign policy stint. Predictions of the Afghan military’s capabilities to counteract the Taliban proved misguided, leading to a chaotic evacuation and the rapid collapse of the Afghan government. The ensuing humanitarian crisis and the rise of terrorist groups like al Qaeda have cast long shadows over this decision.
China Relations
The trade war initiated by Trump with China continued under Biden’s administration, echoing security concerns along with economic ones. Several safeguards and alliances were initiated to deter China’s expansion and protect strategic industries.
In conclusion, Biden’s foreign policy legacy is a mixed bag of accomplishments and missteps. As his tenure comes to a close, the world has eyes set on the next chapter of U.S. foreign policy under the new leadership.