Foreign policy of the Joe Biden administration
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Personal U.S. Senator from Delaware 47th Vice President of the United States Vice presidential campaigns 46th President of the United States Tenure |
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The foreign policy of the Joe Biden administration emphasized the repair of the United States' alliances, which Biden argued were damaged during the first Trump administration. The administration's goal was to restore the United States to a "position of trusted leadership" among global democracies in order to address challenges posed by Russia and China. Both Biden and his Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin repeatedly emphasized that no other world power should be able to surpass the United States, either militarily or economically. Biden's foreign policy has been described as having ideological underpinnings in mid-twentieth century liberal internationalism, American exceptionalism, and pragmatism.
Once assuming office, President Biden sought to strengthen the transatlantic alliance between the U.S. and Europe. He reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance and collective security. Additionally, Biden reinstated the U.S. as a member of the Paris Climate Agreement and implemented a variety of other measures to address climate change. The administration placed great emphasis on international cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as bolstering U.S. defenses against foreign-sponsored cyberattacks, cyber espionage, and trade and industrial policy competition.
Biden's extensive experience in foreign affairs included serving as the chairman or ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for twelve years. He also played a significant role in shaping foreign policy during the Obama presidency. The Biden administration upheld policies that enjoy bipartisan consensus, particularly those related to competition with China and the reduction of U.S. military presence in the Greater Middle East.
Key advisors in Biden's U.S. foreign policy team included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Biden has received a mixed reception for his response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, receiving praise for his support of Ukraine and NATO and criticism for his vague aims in the conflict and limitations in assistance to Ukraine. Critics have faulted him for a perceived mismatch between his objectives and the resources allocated for defense budgets, trade policies, stability in the Middle East, and the promotion of human rights.