“America is back,” declared President Joe Biden as he launched his foreign policy agenda, aiming to distance the United States from the turmoil of Donald Trump’s tenure. This slogan signified a desire to restore the country’s image as a principled leader and revitalize the rules-based international order. However, this vision has faced formidable challenges, revealing the need for a modernized approach to U.S. leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The initial reassurance of Biden’s promise was palpable after the tumultuous end of Trump’s presidency, marked by the dual crises of COVID-19 and the January 6 insurrection. Yet, the specter of Trump’s return loomed large, unsettling allies and emboldening adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin, who doubted America’s staying power. Meanwhile, the prospect of new multilateral agreements akin to the Iran nuclear deal or the Paris Climate Accord seemed remote, given the unpredictable swings in U.S. policy.
Moreover, the old rules-based international order has frayed. While structures like the UN Security Council and the World Trade Organization persist, they are paralyzed by internal disagreements. Russia is intent on disrupting U.S.-backed norms, and China is crafting an alternative global order. Even Washington is shifting from the principles of post-Cold War globalization, adopting new trade and industrial policies. Regional powers like Brazil, India, Turkey, and the Gulf states now navigate their international relations with selective alliances, contributing to a fragmented global landscape.
Biden’s administration has struggled to reconcile its aspirations with these realities. While a victory in the upcoming election might provide temporary relief from the Trump threat, it will not dispel the forces of disorder. Washington has yet to fully reckon with the ways its post-Cold War policies have undermined U.S. leadership. The “war on terror” empowered autocrats, diverted resources, and fueled global instability, while free-market doctrines culminated in a financial crisis that bred populist backlash. Over-reliance on sanctions has led to global fatigue with America’s weaponization of its economic dominance.
The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the ensuing Israeli military campaign in Gaza have further complicated America’s foreign policy narrative. The global perception of U.S. hypocrisy has intensified as Washington supports Israel’s actions, reminiscent of the very tactics it condemns when employed by Russia in Ukraine. This has created a moral and political quandary for an administration that professes to champion universal values.
If Biden secures a second term, he must pivot from the restoration mindset and adapt to contemporary global dynamics. The next president will face the daunting tasks of averting global conflict, addressing climate change, and managing the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence. Meeting these challenges requires abandoning outdated notions of American primacy and building a forward-looking strategy.
The Trump Factor
Biden’s refrain, “Don’t compare me to the Almighty; compare me to the alternative,” gains urgency as the presidential campaign intensifies. Trump’s arguments, despite their often-erratic presentation, resonate with many Americans weary of prolonged conflicts and disillusioned with the elite. His critique of globalization taps into widespread discontent over inequality and deindustrialization. Yet, his presidency exacerbated many of the crises Biden now faces. Politically motivated shortcuts, such as his deal with the Taliban and withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, have had long-lasting repercussions.
Trump’s erratic approach to China, his enabling of North Korea’s provocations, and his hardline stance on Venezuela and Cuba contributed to global instability. A second Trump term would likely unleash greater chaos, given the more volatile global environment and the absence of electoral constraints. His blend of nationalism and isolationism could embolden aggressors like Putin and create new opportunities for adversaries such as North Korea and China.
Domestically, Trump’s return could further erode American democracy, encouraging authoritarian tendencies worldwide. His administration’s rollback of democratic norms would bolster far-right movements globally, compounding the challenges faced by a world already grappling with complex issues like climate change and AI governance.
A Strategic Pivot
In the face of these challenges, the Biden administration has shown some adaptability. Linking domestic and foreign policy through initiatives like the CHIPS Act, which invests in technological innovation and supply chain security, has been a strategic move. The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus on clean energy technology aims to position the U.S. as a leader in addressing climate change, despite criticisms of its subsidy-based approach.
Rebuilding alliances frayed under Trump has been another significant achievement. The administration’s support for Ukraine, bolstered by innovative intelligence sharing, has revitalized transatlantic relations. NATO’s expansion and the European Union’s proactive stance on Ukraine reflect a renewed commitment to collective security.
However, Biden’s foreign policy has been hampered by outdated political instincts and maximalist objectives. The administration’s reluctance to fully break with Trump-era policies on Venezuela and Cuba, its slow re-engagement with Iran, and its unwavering support for Israel despite Netanyahu’s far-right agenda have constrained its options and credibility.
A more pragmatic approach is necessary. Washington must recognize that maximalist demands—such as the complete elimination of Hamas or unrealistic expectations for Ukraine—are counterproductive. Instead, the U.S. should focus on achievable goals and leverage its influence to promote negotiated solutions, such as Palestinian state-building and a balanced approach to Taiwan.
Reframing U.S. Leadership
To regain global trust, the U.S. must better align its actions with the values it espouses. This involves a more nuanced approach to sanctions and a focus on issues that matter to the global South, such as investment, technology, and sustainable development. The Gaza conflict has starkly highlighted the need for Washington to avoid double standards and listen to diverse international perspectives.
In its pursuit of a resilient and adaptable foreign policy, the Biden administration should continue to invest in alliances and multilateral cooperation. However, it must also embrace a strategic humility, recognizing the limits of American power and the importance of diplomacy. By fostering genuine partnerships and addressing global challenges collaboratively, the U.S. can build a more stable and equitable international order.
Ultimately, the Biden administration’s success will depend on its ability to navigate a world where American primacy is no longer a given. By shedding outdated paradigms and embracing a forward-looking, cooperative approach, the U.S. can remain a vital and influential global actor, shaping a future that reflects shared values and common interests.