Introduction
Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has had a long and impactful career in foreign policy. From his early days in the Senate to his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama, and now as President, Biden has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to international diplomacy, multilateralism, and global security. His foreign policy initiatives reflect a vision of the United States as a leader in promoting democracy, human rights, and cooperative international relations.
Early Involvement in Foreign Policy
Biden's foreign policy experience dates back to his tenure in the U.S. Senate, where he served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for several decades, including multiple terms as its chairman. His work on the committee provided him with a deep understanding of international issues and a network of relationships with global leaders.
Balkans and NATO Expansion: During the 1990s, Biden was a vocal advocate for U.S. intervention in the Balkans. He supported NATO's military actions to stop ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and later in Kosovo. Biden argued that the U.S. had a moral obligation to prevent atrocities and promote stability in Europe. His advocacy for NATO expansion reflected his belief in the importance of a strong, united Western alliance to counterbalance Russian influence and promote democratic governance in Eastern Europe.
Arms Control and Non-Proliferation: Biden has been a steadfast supporter of arms control and non-proliferation throughout his career. He played a key role in the ratification of significant treaties, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). His efforts have aimed to reduce the threat of nuclear war and promote global security through verifiable arms reduction agreements.
Vice Presidency: Shaping U.S. Foreign Policy
As Vice President from 2009 to 2017, Biden had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy, working closely with President Obama on a range of international issues.
Iraq and Afghanistan: Biden was deeply involved in the Obama administration's strategy for Iraq and Afghanistan. He supported the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq, emphasizing the importance of shifting responsibility to Iraqi forces. In Afghanistan, Biden advocated for a more limited counterterrorism approach rather than a large-scale counterinsurgency strategy. His influence was evident in the administration's eventual decision to reduce troop levels and focus on targeted operations against terrorist networks.
Pivot to Asia: Recognizing the growing strategic importance of Asia, the Obama administration, with Biden’s support, initiated the "Pivot to Asia" policy. This strategy aimed to strengthen U.S. economic, diplomatic, and military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Key components included enhancing alliances with countries like Japan and South Korea, engaging with emerging powers such as India, and participating in regional multilateral forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Iran Nuclear Deal: One of the signature achievements of the Obama administration was the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Biden played a crucial role in negotiating and promoting the agreement, which aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The deal was a testament to Biden's belief in diplomacy and multilateralism, as it involved cooperation with the P5+1 countries (the U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany).
Ukraine and Russia: Biden was a strong supporter of Ukraine during the 2014 crisis following Russia's annexation of Crimea. He advocated for providing economic and military assistance to Ukraine and implementing sanctions against Russia. Biden's stance was grounded in his commitment to upholding international law and supporting countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Presidential Foreign Policy Initiatives
As President, Joe Biden has sought to restore America's global leadership, repair alliances, and address pressing global challenges through a series of comprehensive foreign policy initiatives.
Rebuilding Alliances: One of Biden’s first actions as President was to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its traditional alliances. He sought to repair relationships strained during the previous administration, particularly with NATO allies. Biden emphasized the importance of collective security and the U.S.'s commitment to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Rejoining International Agreements: Biden moved quickly to rejoin international agreements and organizations that the previous administration had withdrawn from. Notably, he recommitted the U.S. to the Paris Agreement on climate change, underscoring the administration’s dedication to addressing global environmental challenges. Additionally, Biden rejoined the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Climate Change Leadership: Biden has made climate change a central pillar of his foreign policy. His administration has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and has engaged in international efforts to combat global warming. Biden hosted a virtual climate summit, bringing together world leaders to pledge enhanced efforts to address climate change. His administration has also committed to supporting developing countries in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
China Policy: Biden’s approach to China balances competition and cooperation. Recognizing China as a strategic competitor, his administration has taken steps to address issues such as trade imbalances, human rights abuses, and military expansion in the South China Sea. At the same time, Biden has sought to engage China on global challenges like climate change and public health, advocating for a rules-based international order.
Russia and Cybersecurity: Biden has taken a firm stance against Russian aggression and cyberattacks. His administration has imposed sanctions on Russian officials and entities involved in election interference, cyberattacks, and human rights abuses. Biden has also called for increased international cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Middle East Policy: Biden’s Middle East policy aims to reduce regional tensions and promote stability. He has reaffirmed support for Israel while advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden has also focused on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and re-engaging in diplomacy to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal, seeking to prevent nuclear proliferation and reduce the risk of conflict.
Afghanistan Withdrawal: One of the most significant and controversial decisions of Biden’s presidency was the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, ending America’s longest war. While the withdrawal faced criticism due to the chaotic evacuation and rapid Taliban takeover, Biden defended the decision as necessary to end a costly and unsustainable military engagement. The focus has since shifted to addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people and countering terrorism through non-military means.
COVID-19 Global Response: Biden has prioritized a coordinated global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration has committed to sharing vaccines with countries in need, rejoining the COVAX initiative, and supporting efforts to strengthen global health systems. Biden has also advocated for improved pandemic preparedness to prevent future global health crises.
Human Rights and Democracy: Promoting human rights and democracy is a cornerstone of Biden’s foreign policy. He has spoken out against authoritarianism and human rights abuses in countries such as China, Russia, and Myanmar. Biden has also emphasized the importance of supporting democratic institutions and civil society around the world, including through increased funding for democracy promotion initiatives.
Trade and Economic Policy: Biden’s trade policy aims to balance economic interests with workers’ rights and environmental standards. His administration has sought to renegotiate trade agreements to ensure fair competition and protect American jobs. Biden has also emphasized the importance of working with allies to address unfair trade practices and promote sustainable economic growth.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s foreign policy initiatives reflect a comprehensive vision of the United States as a leader in promoting global security, democracy, and cooperative international relations. From rebuilding alliances and rejoining international agreements to addressing climate change and advocating for human rights, Biden’s approach emphasizes diplomacy, multilateralism, and a commitment to shared global challenges. His extensive experience in foreign policy, combined with a deep understanding of international dynamics, positions him to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. As Biden continues to shape U.S. foreign policy, his initiatives will play a crucial role in defining America's role on the global stage and addressing the pressing issues facing the international community.