Biden aimed for a foreign policy that combined realism with moral principles, framing the struggle between democracies and autocracies as the primary geopolitical challenge of our time. Given his extensive experience in foreign affairs, one might wonder whether Biden has succeeded in crafting a memorable legacy.
Upon taking office, Biden frequently declared that “America is back.” However, the reality of a shifting multipolar world made it difficult to implement this slogan effectively. Due to Biden’s policies, the incoming Trump administration will grapple with complex decisions regarding the Ukraine conflict, China’s assertiveness in Asia, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Biden’s foreign policy has inadvertently fostered a strong alliance between Russia and China, presenting the new administration with the task of creating divisions between these two nuclear nations to protect America’s standing in the world.
Biden’s diplomacy tested as U.S. influence wanes on the international stage
The decline of America’s global influence underscores the necessity for Washington to collaborate not only with traditional allies but also with new partners to maintain its power and impact.
Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s Cold War-era “us-versus-them” rhetoric, while appealing to some Americans, has weakened the U.S. effort to establish new alliances. This has included attempts to isolate Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Many non-Western countries, including allies like Israel, Turkey, and Gulf Arab states, opted for neutrality during the Ukraine crisis.
A more flexible and adaptive approach would have likely enhanced U.S. diplomatic efforts. Many observers from outside the U.S. have noted that Biden’s foreign policy does not align with his assertion of leading a global fight for democracy against authoritarian regimes.
By engaging with Vietnam’s communist leadership, fist-bumping Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and supporting a military regime in Bangladesh, Biden undermined his own narrative of “democracy versus autocracy.” Additionally, he chose not to comment on the authoritarian trends emerging under Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky has stifled Ukraine’s budding democracy by banning opposition parties, shutting down independent media, and suppressing dissent. His actions echo those of his adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly as Zelensky continues to govern beyond the end of his term in May.
Biden’s foreign policy has utilized the promotion of democracy and human rights as strategic tools, selectively applying these principles to certain nations while overlooking abuses in allied nondemocratic states.
However, nothing has undermined the credibility of Biden’s diplomacy more than his support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which contradicts his commitment to a values-driven foreign policy.
While it is understandable for Biden to stand by Israel despite its existential threats, the decision to increase arms and support during military operations effectively endorsed the extensive devastation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This strategy has rendered the U.S. increasingly isolated on the international stage and defensive for nearly a year. A striking example of this was the recent American veto of a U.N. Security Council resolution, which the other 14 members supported, calling for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and “immediate access [to] humanitarian assistance” in Gaza.
Critics question Biden’s consistency in promoting democratic values worldwide
This marked the fourth instance of the U.S. blocking a ceasefire resolution. The new administration faces a complex situation that requires innovative diplomatic strategies to promote American interests.
Trump could leverage his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to argue that the relentless pursuit of victory may at the end compromise Israel’s security rather than enhance it, highlighting the need for stability in the region.
American interests now necessitate a more balanced and pragmatic approach to promoting human rights and democracy, particularly as China, and to a lesser extent Russia, expand their influence in the non-Western world. While advocating for democracy and human rights can be a valid aspect of American foreign policy, selective application risks alienating potential partners outside the Western sphere.
The most pressing foreign policy challenge for the incoming administration will be to extricate the U.S. from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, allowing for a renewed focus on bolstering America’s economic security and addressing its declining status.
The principal beneficiary of the ongoing Ukraine war, which Biden has intensified during his final days in office, is China. As America’s foremost global rival, China surpasses Russia in economic output, military expenditure, and other key metrics.
Since 2020, China has more than doubled its nuclear arsenal and is accelerating the expansion of its conventional military forces at an unprecedented rate. It aims to replace the U.S. as the dominant power in the Indo-Pacific, a region pivotal to shaping the future global order.
Biden’s challenging legacy has also prompted a growing number of nations to seek membership in BRICS, an initiative representing a change toward a world less influenced by the U.S.
