WASHINGTON — When President Joe Biden took office four years ago, he was determined to mend the alliances that had been strained during Donald Trump’s presidency, which was characterized by its “America First” perspective. His foreign policy approach was heavily influenced by the backdrop of a global pandemic and a series of complex international challenges, including the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the violent attacks by Hamas on Israel in 2023, which intensified the turmoil in the Middle East.
As Biden readies to conclude his first term, he maintains that his efforts have significantly enhanced America’s standing in global affairs and that the U.S. remains a crucial partner on the international stage. He is expected to emphasize this theme during a speech on his foreign policy achievements scheduled for Monday.
However, Biden’s narrative is complicated by the prospect of Trump reclaiming the presidency and reinstating a protectionist approach to foreign relations. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan posed a pivotal question regarding global perceptions of U.S. strength, arguing that the narrative has shifted since Biden took office, with many previously viewing China as the dominant force.
Under the Democratic administration, Biden advocates that his steady guidance has fortified the United States and its allies despite a tumultuous global climate. However, he has faced numerous challenges since his inauguration, frequently reiterating his commitment to restoring the belief that “America’s back.”
Biden’s presidency was immediately marked by the distressing conclusion of the war in Afghanistan. The chaotic exit in 2021 fulfilled a campaign promise to end America’s longest engagement in a foreign conflict, but it did so under tragic circumstances. The swift collapse of the Afghan government, compounded by a harrowing bombing that killed U.S. troops and Afghan civilians alike, led to a frantic evacuation at Kabul’s airport, leaving a lasting impact on Biden’s early tenure.
Critics, including Trump, have labeled this withdrawal as one of the most embarrassing moments in American history, casting doubts on Biden’s leadership.
Regarding Ukraine, the Biden administration has borne the burden of navigating the complexities of Russia’s invasion. The president has galvanized international support, securing over $100 billion in aid to bolster Ukraine’s defense against a vastly superior Russian military. However, critics argue that Biden’s hesitance to rapidly provide advanced weaponry has hampered Ukraine’s ability to effectively counter Russia’s advances and that the president has displayed caution in his decisions to avoid escalating the conflict.
Trump has openly criticized the financial implications of the war for U.S. taxpayers and pledged to expedite a resolution should he regain office. Biden, nonetheless, expressed optimism about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, indicating that there is bipartisan agreement in Congress about the necessity of ongoing aid.
As Biden’s term progresses, the impact of his decisions regarding Ukraine is becoming interlinked with Trump’s political narrative, with former officials suggesting that if Trump can broker a perceived satisfactory conclusion to the conflict, it could further overshadow Biden’s actions and invite critique for his cautious approach.
In terms of Middle Eastern diplomacy, Biden’s administration has maintained a strong alliance with Israel amid its military operations against Hamas. The ongoing conflict has ignited violence in Lebanon and strained Biden’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly due to the significant civilian casualties in Gaza. Protests for an arms embargo against Israel have gained traction, although official U.S. policy has not shifted, as indicated by recent arms sales planned for Israel.
Experts predict that Biden might bear reputational setbacks due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, suggesting that his administration struggled to exert meaningful pressure on Israel regarding military tactics.
Amid the hostage crisis, which remains unresolved over 15 months following Hamas’ attack, Biden’s Middle East adviser is actively pursuing a resolution, while Trump has threatened retribution against Hamas should the situation remain unaddressed by the time he assumes office. Sullivan remarked on the importance of the incoming administration’s alignment with current efforts to achieve a hostage deal, emphasizing the national interest in resolving the situation promptly.
As Biden reflects on his presidency, how effectively he has navigated these multifaceted challenges will resonate in the discussions about his legacy and the broader implications it presents for future U.S. foreign policy.
