Throughout his presidency, Joe Biden has faced numerous challenges on the global stage, but perhaps none as significant as his attempts to reshape American diplomacy and redefine the nation’s role as a leader amid rapidly changing international dynamics. From re-engaging with traditional allies to taking firm stances against authoritarian regimes, his administration's global approach embodies the essence of his diplomatic legacy. Biden’s tenure has sought to pivot from the chaotic foreign policy of the previous administration, aiming instead for stability and coalition-building. This piece will explore the key events, strategies, and challenges faced by his administration, illuminating the broader narrative of U.S. diplomacy during these turbulent times.
One of the hallmark strategies of Biden's foreign policy has been to rebuild alliances, particularly within NATO and with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which sent shockwaves around the world, Biden's administration worked to reinforce its commitment to NATO, reiteratively underscoring the United States' obligation under Article 5 of the NATO treaty—an attack on one ally is considered an attack on all. This commitment was evident during the Russia-Ukraine conflict; as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Biden quickly mobilized NATO allies to respond collectively. His administration provided military aid to Ukraine, positioned troops along Eastern European frontlines, and coordinated sanctions against Russian oligarchs and sectors, showcasing unity among the members.
While reinvigorated alliances have been central to Biden's approach, his administration has also had to navigate the intricacies of U.S.-China relations. Biden has adopted both competitive and cooperative strategies, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to counter China’s growing influence without tipping too far toward conflict. He has emphasized collaboration with allies such as Japan and Australia, highlighted through initiatives like AUKUS, which bolsters defense and security cooperation among these nations. This multi-faceted strategy seeks not only to address immediate threats posed by China but also to engage diplomatically on global issues such as climate change and trade.
Climate change itself has been another high priority for the Biden administration, viewed as not just an environmental issue but one of geopolitical significance. The administration returned to the Paris Agreement and made ambitious pledges to reduce carbon emissions. Biden's team has sought to leverage environmental diplomacy as both leverage and necessity, working with other nations to promote clean energy and address the climate crisis. The recent COP26 summit highlighted these efforts, where the U.S. aimed to be seen as taking proactive steps on the international stage, standing alongside allies to push for unified action on climate issues.
Yet, Biden's foreign policy approach has not been without criticism. Some detractors argue it has not sufficiently addressed the complex realities within authoritarian regimes like those of Russia and China. For example, the administration's handling of human rights concerns, particularly concerning Uighurs in China and the crackdown on dissent within Hong Kong, has faced scrutiny from various human rights organizations. They argue those issues need to be front and center of U.S. diplomacy, rather than sidelined for the sake of economic cooperation or global stability.
Meanwhile, Biden's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan remains one of the most contentious aspects of his presidency and perhaps the most significant event shaping his global legacy. The hasty exit from the country, amid chaotic scenes at Kabul airport, has led to bipartisan criticism and has raised questions about American credibility and the efficacy of its foreign policy. Many allies expressed concern over the U.S.'s commitment to support those left behind, including Afghan allies, and the consequences of the Taliban's rapid resurgence.
This has led to broader discussions about U.S. military intervention overseas, often being labeled as “[forever wars](https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/09/what-forever-war-americans-need-know-about-the-endless-war-in-afghanistan/597051/)” by both proponents and critics. A number of experts advocate for moving away from military solutions toward diplomatic approaches. The United States aims to reimagine its role, engaging more with global institutions and pushing for collective action rather than unilateral military actions.
Biden’s administration has also undertaken significant efforts to forge new partnerships and alliances outside of the traditional Western sphere. The new diplomatic overtures toward nations across Africa and Latin America indicate Biden’s awareness of shifting power dynamics. For example, the U.S. hosted the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, signaling its intent to engage more deeply with African countries, enhancing trade, investment, and technological partnerships.
At the same time, certain relationships appear to be strained, including ties with traditional allies like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, mainly over human rights issues. Biden's reluctance to engage with these nations as closely as previous administrations has raised eyebrows, leading to fears of losing influence and leverage within the Middle East.
The balancing act between promoting democracy and stability continues to challenge the Biden administration. The insistence on human rights, particularly with nations like Saudi Arabia amid the war in Yemen and concerns over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, puts the president at odds with traditional foreign policy approaches focused more strictly on strategic interests.
Through all these challenges, Biden’s administration has signaled its intent to redefine America's role internationally. His commitment to multilateralism—where multiple countries work together toward common goals—stems from recognizing the interconnectedness of global issues like health, climate change, and security. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced this need for cooperation, as Biden sought to lead global vaccination efforts, donating millions of doses to nations lagging behind, demonstrating the importance of international partnerships.
Looking to the future, Biden’s diplomatic legacy will be cemented by how he navigates these complex issues and relationships. His administration’s focus on restoring allies and multilateral collaboration puts him at odds with the isolationist trends discerned from prior years but also raises significant questions about practicality. Can the U.S. genuinely reposition itself as the global leader it once was? Or will it struggle to adapt to new realities where power is dispersed across various nations?
Many political analysts highlight the diffusion of global power, noting the challenge for any single nation to exert its influence as effectively as before. Biden himself has acknowledged these challenges, indicating the need for collaborative reforms, not only within international bodies like the UN but also among the various political factions within U.S. politics. The path forward will require resilience, adaptability, and perhaps most critically, the continuation of dialogue with both allies and adversaries alike.
There’s no denying Biden’s presidency is marked by significant shifts, not only internally as the U.S. grapples with its identity and role on the world stage but also externally, as the global order evolves. How he addresses these multifaceted challenges will likely leave an indelible mark on America’s diplomatic legacy for generations to come. Each decision, each summit, and every friction point will contribute to the narrative of U.S. foreign policy moving forward, shaping how the world perceives America’s commitment to global stability and cooperation.
