Biden's Foreign Policy Legacy: A World in Crisis

As Joe Biden's presidency comes to a close, it's time to examine the foreign policy legacy he leaves behind. Unfortunately, the picture that emerges is one of increased global instability and worsening relations with major world powers.

Escalating Conflicts

The Biden administration played a key role in intensifying two major military conflicts:

Ukraine War

Rather than pursuing diplomacy, the administration chose escalation with Russia over Ukraine. Key actions included:

• Giving Ukraine assurances of unlimited support
• Rejecting Russian security proposals in early 2022
• Blocking peace negotiations after the conflict began
• Pushing for continued fighting even after Ukraine's failed 2023 offensive

Gaza Conflict

Despite public statements about restraint, the administration gave Israel a "blank check" for its military operation in Gaza. There are reports the US even tried to convince Egypt and Jordan to accept mass displacements from Gaza.

Deteriorating Great Power Relations

Relations with other major powers have reached new lows:

Russia

• Pursuing confrontation rather than cooperation
• Imposing extensive sanctions
• Insulting Russian leadership

China

• Framing relations as a struggle between democracies and autocracies
• Increasing military support for Taiwan
• Imposing technology restrictions and sanctions

India

• Taking a manipulative approach rather than valuing the relationship
• Trying to pressure India on relations with Russia and China
• Failing to meet investment expectations

A Flawed Foreign Policy Approach

The Biden administration's approach suffered from several key flaws:

Prioritizing Conflict Over Peace

Instead of working to preserve peace and stability, the administration seemed to seek out and intensify conflicts around the world.

Disregarding Other Powers' Interests

There was little effort to understand or accommodate the security concerns and interests of other major powers like Russia and China.

Overuse of Sanctions

The administration relied heavily on sanctions, even when they proved ineffective at changing behavior or damaging target economies.

Pursuit of Total Victory

Rather than seeking pragmatic compromises, the administration often pushed for maximalist goals that were unrealistic.

The Role of Secretary Blinken

While many officials shaped policy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken appears to have played an outsized role:

• Transforming the State Department into a more hawkish, confrontational institution
• Consistently advocating for escalation over diplomacy in Ukraine
• Blocking peace initiatives proposed by others in the administration
• Pushing for provocative actions like strikes inside Russia

Global Realignment

The administration's approach has accelerated the formation of a bloc of nations seeking to counter US influence:

• Strengthening of the Russia-China partnership
• Expansion of BRICS
• Development of alternative financial systems
• Growing cooperation between US adversaries

Looking Ahead

As the Trump administration takes office, they face significant foreign policy challenges:

• A protracted conflict in Ukraine with no clear path to resolution
• Heightened tensions in the Middle East
• Damaged relationships with major powers that need repair
• A more unified bloc of nations working to reduce US influence

Early indications suggest the new administration may pursue a different approach:

• Seeking early meetings with Putin and Xi Jinping
• Distancing from some hawkish European allies
• Potentially exploring diplomatic options in Ukraine

However, the situation remains highly complex. Any negotiations will need to account for battlefield realities and the entrenched positions of various actors. Repairing relationships and restoring stability will likely be a long, challenging process.

Conclusion

The Biden administration's foreign policy legacy is one of increased global instability and conflict. By prioritizing confrontation over cooperation and disregarding the interests of other powers, it has left the international system in a precarious state. The incoming administration faces significant challenges in charting a new course and repairing the damage done. Whether they can succeed remains to be seen, but a fundamental shift in approach appears necessary to restore peace and stability to the global order.

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