Since taking office in January 2021, President Joe Biden has set out to reshape the United States’ foreign policy, seeking to distance himself from the “America First” approach of his predecessor, Donald Trump. While Biden’s administration touts a commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and rebuilding alliances, the results have been a series of high-profile missteps that have left U.S. global influence weakened and American interests compromised. This analysis examines key aspects of the Biden administration’s foreign policy, exploring the consequences of its approach to global relations and advocating for a more assertive, strategic policy that prioritizes American interests and global stability.
The Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Symbol of Strategic Disarray
One of the most glaring failures of the Biden administration’s foreign policy is the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The decision to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan was presented as an end to the “forever war” and a fulfillment of Biden’s campaign promise to reduce America’s military footprint overseas. However, the manner in which the withdrawal was executed led to a disaster that tarnished the administration’s credibility on the world stage.
The hasty exit, coupled with the Taliban’s rapid resurgence, exposed a lack of preparation and foresight. The fall of Kabul to the Taliban was not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a geopolitical setback for the United States. The U.S. lost strategic leverage in the region, ceding influence to China, Russia, and Iran, while leaving Afghan allies vulnerable to brutal reprisals. Moreover, the withdrawal raised questions about the United States’ ability to honor its commitments to its allies and to maintain stability in critical regions.
Biden’s handling of Afghanistan has been criticized by both Republicans and some Democrats as a failure to properly manage the complexities of nation-building and withdrawal. It demonstrated a disconnect between rhetoric and reality, highlighting the dangers of pursuing idealistic policies without adequate contingency planning.
A Growing Threat from China: Inaction and Appeasement
The Biden administration’s approach to China, a rising global superpower, has been largely characterized by inconsistency and reluctance to take bold action. While the U.S. has maintained its confrontational stance on issues like trade and human rights, Biden’s foreign policy has failed to present a coherent strategy to counter China’s growing influence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beijing’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, as well as its economic influence worldwide, have gone largely unchecked. The administration’s mixed messaging — calling China both a “competitor” and a “strategic partner” — has caused confusion among allies and adversaries alike. In particular, the failure to hold China accountable for its role in the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lack of transparency in global health issues signals weakness.
Moreover, Biden’s reluctance to confront China’s military buildup and human rights abuses has raised concerns about the future of U.S.-China relations. The absence of a clear and comprehensive strategy to contain China risks emboldening the Communist Party and further eroding the global position of the U.S.
The Russia Challenge: Appeasement or Underestimation?
The Biden administration’s handling of Russia has also come under scrutiny, especially following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the U.S. has provided military and economic assistance to Ukraine, Biden’s response to Russian aggression has been criticized for being reactive rather than proactive. In the early stages of the invasion, the administration’s hesitation to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources for a stronger defense further delayed critical support.
Additionally, Biden’s attempt at “resetting” relations with Russia in the early months of his presidency, including a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was seen by many conservatives as a misplaced effort at diplomacy. The Russian president, known for his authoritarian tendencies and foreign policy aggression, was not swayed by Biden’s overtures. Instead, Putin has continued to pursue policies that undermine U.S. interests, from undermining democratic processes in Europe to expanding Russia’s influence in the Middle East.
The perceived softness on Russia has allowed the Kremlin to act with increasing impunity. It has also raised concerns among U.S. allies, particularly in Eastern Europe, about the reliability of American leadership in deterring Russian aggression. A stronger and more assertive foreign policy would have demonstrated the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its allies and countering Russian expansionism.
The Middle East: A Withdrawal From Engagement
Biden’s approach to the Middle East has also been marked by a retreat from active engagement, signaling a broader pivot away from U.S. leadership in the region. One of the most significant consequences of this shift was the administration’s stance toward Iran. Biden’s pursuit of reentering the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) without sufficient concessions or assurances from Tehran sent the wrong message to both U.S. allies and adversaries.
Meanwhile, the vacuum left by U.S. disengagement has been filled by regional powers like Russia, China, and Iran, further destabilizing the region. The administration’s reluctance to take strong action against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, coupled with its failure to provide decisive support to key partners like Israel and Saudi Arabia, has left the Middle East in a state of heightened tension and uncertainty.
A Need for Strategic Clarity and Assertiveness
The overall picture of Biden’s foreign policy is one of inconsistency, retreat, and missed opportunities. While diplomacy remains a valuable tool, the administration’s tendency to prioritize soft power and engagement without a clear strategic framework has left the United States less able to influence global events. In contrast, adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran have seized upon this perceived weakness to advance their own agendas.
To protect American interests and global stability, the U.S. needs a more assertive and strategic foreign policy. This would involve not only strengthening alliances with like-minded democratic nations but also ensuring that the U.S. remains a dominant force in global economic and military matters. In key regions like Asia and Europe, the U.S. must take a more proactive stance, ensuring that potential adversaries understand the cost of aggression. Additionally, the U.S. must regain its credibility on the world stage by honoring commitments and providing unwavering support to its allies.
Conclusion: Rebuilding American Leadership
As the world continues to grapple with shifting geopolitical dynamics, the Biden administration’s foreign policy will undoubtedly be remembered as a period of missed opportunities and growing global challenges. The U.S. must confront the reality that its strategic interests, as well as global stability, are best served by a foreign policy that prioritizes strength, clarity, and decisive action. If America is to maintain its position as a global leader, it must recommit to policies that assert its values, protect its allies, and stand firm against the rising threats from autocratic regimes.
