US Foreign Policy Under Biden: Restoring Alliances or Continued Retrenchment?

The inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021 signaled a potential shift in US foreign policy after four years of the Trump administration's "America First" approach. Biden pledged to restore alliances, re-engage with international institutions, and prioritize diplomacy. However, the complexities of global politics and domestic constraints raise questions about the extent to which Biden can fully reverse the trend of retrenchment in US foreign policy.

Restoring Alliances: A Central Tenet

One of Biden's core promises was to revitalize relationships with long-standing allies. He quickly rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change and the World Health Organization, signaling a commitment to multilateralism. The administration has also worked to strengthen ties with NATO allies, addressing concerns raised during the Trump years about burden-sharing and the US commitment to collective defense. Key initiatives include:

Re-engaging with International Organizations: The US has resumed its role in various international bodies, seeking to influence global policy on issues ranging from climate change to human rights.
Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Efforts have been made to repair relationships with European allies, focusing on common challenges such as Russia, China, and cybersecurity.
Focus on Diplomacy: The Biden administration has emphasized diplomatic solutions to international conflicts, seeking to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful resolutions.

Challenges to Alliance Restoration

Despite these efforts, several challenges hinder the complete restoration of alliances:

Trust Deficit: The "America First" policies of the previous administration eroded trust in the US as a reliable partner. Rebuilding this trust requires sustained commitment and consistent actions.
Diverging Interests: Allies may have differing priorities and perspectives on various global issues, making it difficult to achieve consensus and coordinated action.
Domestic Constraints: Political polarization and economic challenges in the US can limit the administration's ability to fully commit to international engagements.

Continued Retrenchment: A New Reality?

While Biden has sought to restore alliances, some argue that the US is still undergoing a period of retrenchment in its foreign policy. This perspective suggests that the US is becoming more selective in its engagements, focusing on core national interests and prioritizing domestic needs.

Withdrawal from Afghanistan: The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, while fulfilling a campaign promise, raised questions about the US commitment to long-term security commitments in the region.
Focus on Great Power Competition: The US is increasingly focused on competition with China and Russia, which may lead to a prioritization of military and economic strength over broader diplomatic engagement.
Economic Nationalism: Despite efforts to promote free trade, the US has also adopted some protectionist measures to support domestic industries, reflecting a degree of economic nationalism.

The Path Forward

US foreign policy under Biden is a complex mix of restoring alliances and continuing a trend of retrenchment. While the administration has made significant efforts to repair relationships with allies and re-engage with international institutions, challenges remain. The extent to which Biden can successfully navigate these challenges will determine the future of US foreign policy and its role in the world.