President Joe Biden is engaging in significant diplomatic efforts this week to address concerns from international allies regarding the future of U.S. foreign policy after he leaves office in four months. Despite Biden’s efforts, global attention has shifted towards former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who offer different perspectives on foreign policy.
Biden initiated his diplomatic activities by meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss various global issues. Subsequently, he is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of the Indo-Pacific group known as the Quad. Biden is also set to host United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan before attending the U.N. General Assembly.
In the meantime, world leaders have begun seeking meetings with Harris and Trump to gain insights into their potential policies. Trump has expressed plans to meet with Modi and Zelenskyy, with whom he last spoke during his presidency, leading to his first impeachment.
Concerns over escalating conflicts in regions like Gaza and Ukraine remain high. White House-led efforts to negotiate ceasefires appear stalemated. Additionally, Ukraine is advocating for the use of Western long-range weapons against Russia, a move Putin warned could lead to war.
Both Harris and Trump have presented contrasting views on foreign policy. Harris has aligned herself with Biden’s approach, criticizing Trump’s relationships with authoritarian leaders. Trump, on the other hand, has questioned Harris’s abilities and blamed her for the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Despite external distractions, Biden is focused on managing ongoing global crises while strengthening relationships with key allies. The president aims to cultivate personal connections with world leaders, as demonstrated by hosting informal meetings at his private residence and organizing a special dinner at his high school alma mater. Furthermore, Biden plans to announce developments related to his Cancer Moonshot Initiative during the summit, a project close to his heart following the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015.
