Biden offers a first draft of his foreign policy achievements
3 min read
President Biden speaks at the State Department on Jan. 13. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
President Joe Biden delivered a reflective speech on his foreign policy legacy as he prepares to leave office, offering a summary of his administration’s achievements and setting the stage for the challenges his successor will face. Speaking at the State Department on Monday, Biden positioned his presidency as one that strengthened American power abroad and left the U.S. better equipped to compete globally, especially in the face of rising challenges from adversaries like China and Russia.
In his remarks, Biden argued that America’s global standing has improved significantly under his leadership compared to when he inherited the presidency in 2021, and he emphasized that his administration had strengthened key international alliances. “The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago. America is stronger, our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker,” Biden asserted, highlighting that no new wars had been initiated during his tenure to achieve these outcomes.
A major theme of Biden’s address was the reinvigoration of alliances and partnerships. He pointed to the bolstering of NATO, the strengthening of relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, and the establishment of the AUKUS security pact between the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia. He also touted the success of the Quad alliance, which includes Japan, India, and Australia, in promoting stability in the region. For Biden, these partnerships were crucial in countering global threats and ensuring America’s influence remained strong.
Despite these achievements, Biden acknowledged the complex challenges ahead, especially with the imminent return of former President Donald Trump. He noted that many of his foreign policy efforts, including support for Ukraine and strategies concerning Iran and China, would depend on the choices made by the next administration. His comments about Ukraine were particularly pointed as he discussed his efforts to “lay the foundation” for U.S. support of Ukraine, signaling that the future of U.S. assistance to the war-torn country remains uncertain.
On the issue of Iran, Biden highlighted that the country is “weaker than it’s been in decades” under his watch, a point that underscores his administration’s efforts to limit Iran’s regional influence. At the same time, Biden affirmed that the U.S. is in a better strategic position for competition with China, a critical point as U.S.-China relations have become increasingly strained during his presidency.
Biden also addressed the contentious issue of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was widely criticized for its chaotic execution. In defending the decision, Biden stated that he saw no reason to keep U.S. troops stationed in the country and argued that it was time to bring the war to an end. However, he did not shy away from the fact that the withdrawal, which resulted in the loss of American service members’ lives, was a significant political challenge during his first year in office.
Looking to the future, Biden emphasized that the incoming administration would need to focus on key foreign policy priorities, including securing a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, ensuring that the fall of Bashar al-Assad does not lead to the resurgence of ISIS, and continuing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also mentioned the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the importance of working toward a resolution.
In a sharp contrast to critics of climate change initiatives, Biden used the occasion to stress the importance of continued leadership in clean energy and artificial intelligence. He warned that those who doubted the significance of climate change were misguided, calling it “the single greatest existential threat to humanity.”
Biden’s reflections on his foreign policy legacy come as he prepares to leave office with a mixed record on the international stage. While his administration succeeded in restoring American leadership and strengthening alliances, challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions with China, and complex issues in the Middle East will continue to shape global politics in the years ahead. With the uncertainty surrounding his successor’s foreign policy agenda, Biden’s remarks also underscored the critical importance of America’s role in shaping a stable and secure global future.
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