Biden foreign policy/ 2024 election/ Kamala Harris/ Donald Trump/ Indo-Pacific/ Quad summit/ Newslooks/ Washington/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden kicked off a series of high-stakes meetings with global leaders as attention increasingly shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. As Biden navigates complex foreign policy issues, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, world leaders are seeking insights into the diverging foreign policy approaches of Harris and Trump ahead of the 2024 U.S. election.
Biden’s Diplomatic Push as Allies Eye Future Quick Looks:
- Biden begins talks with world leaders amid global focus on Trump and Harris’ foreign policies.
- Meetings include discussions on the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, U.S. relations with China, and regional tensions.
- Biden hosts the Indo-Pacific “Quad” summit and meets with the UAE president before addressing the U.N. General Assembly.
- Allies seek clarity on U.S. foreign policy as Trump and Harris offer differing global visions.
- Both Trump and Harris engage with international leaders as they vie for the White House.
Biden Begins Diplomatic Push as Allies Eye Harris and Trump for Future U.S. Policy
Deep Look:
President Joe Biden launched a series of critical discussions with international leaders on Friday, with the U.S. election looming and global attention increasingly turning toward the foreign policy visions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. As Biden approaches his final months in office, world leaders are watching closely to understand what U.S. foreign policy might look like under the next president.
The next week will see Biden in Delaware, Washington, and at the United Nations for meetings with leaders from across the globe. While Biden is trying to address major crises—such as the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—world leaders are already looking ahead to how U.S. foreign policy might shift under either Harris or Trump, who offer sharply contrasting views.
Biden’s Diplomatic Agenda
On Friday, Biden began his diplomatic push by meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at his home near Wilmington, Delaware. The two discussed key international issues, including the war in Gaza, China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, and the ongoing tensions in Taiwan. These discussions signal the importance of addressing global instability before Biden’s term ends in January 2025.
Biden is scheduled to continue his meetings on Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of the Indo-Pacific “Quad” alliance. The group will focus on strengthening ties in the region and addressing threats posed by China. On Monday, Biden will welcome United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the White House for more discussions. He will then head to the United Nations for the General Assembly, where conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine will dominate the agenda.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit Washington later in the week to meet with Biden as part of his efforts to secure more military aid for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Attention Shifts to Trump and Harris
While Biden is actively engaging with world leaders, the global spotlight is already moving toward Trump and Harris, both of whom are vying for the presidency in 2024. Trump and Harris offer voters—and the world—starkly different visions of America’s role on the global stage.
Trump, who often touted his “America First” agenda during his presidency, has already scheduled meetings with foreign leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Modi and possibly Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Despite his contentious history with Ukraine, which led to his first impeachment, Trump is positioning himself as a key player in the upcoming election and re-engaging with global figures.
Harris, on the other hand, has positioned herself as a continuation of Biden’s foreign policy, emphasizing cooperation with U.S. allies and support for Ukraine. She has repeatedly criticized Trump’s cozy relationships with authoritarian leaders, accusing him of being too easily manipulated by figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Harris will also meet with Zelenskyy next week to underscore her commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Global anxiety about the future of U.S. foreign policy is palpable. Jon Alterman, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, notes that as world leaders look toward Trump and Harris, Biden’s efforts may increasingly feel like “a sideshow.”
Ongoing Foreign Policy Challenges
Biden’s current diplomatic efforts are clouded by growing tensions in the Middle East. Israel’s recent airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, coupled with deadly explosions targeting Hezbollah’s communication devices, have escalated violence in the region. Israel’s military actions have raised concerns about the U.S. influence over its ally, as White House official Amos Hochstein recently urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to de-escalate the conflict.
The Israeli-Hamas war, which has been raging for nearly a year, continues to spiral, with efforts to broker a ceasefire or hostage release stalling. When asked about the potential for a deal to resolve the conflict, Biden expressed hope but acknowledged the challenges. “A lot of things don’t look realistic until we get them done,” Biden said, insisting that his administration is still working toward a resolution.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy is pushing for the use of long-range Western weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. While Biden has so far refrained from approving such a move due to concerns about escalating the conflict, the pressure from Zelenskyy remains.
Biden’s Legacy and Future U.S. Leadership
As Biden approaches the end of his term, his foreign policy legacy is increasingly tied to how well he navigates these crises. His administration has worked to strengthen alliances in the Pacific and Europe, all while trying to manage volatile relationships in the Middle East. However, many of these efforts could be overturned depending on who wins the 2024 election.
Trump’s approach to foreign policy during his first term, including withdrawing from international agreements and engaging with authoritarian leaders, left many global allies uncertain about America’s long-term commitments. Harris, if elected, is expected to continue Biden’s multilateral approach, though she faces challenges in convincing international partners that the U.S. will remain a reliable ally.
In their first presidential debate, Harris clashed with Trump, accusing him of allowing dictators like Putin to manipulate him. Trump, meanwhile, criticized Harris for what he called weak foreign policy credentials, blaming her for the U.S.’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Biden’s Personal Touch in Diplomacy
Amid these geopolitical challenges, Biden is trying to foster strong personal relationships with world leaders. His decision to host Indo-Pacific leaders at his private residence in Delaware, as well as a planned dinner at his high school alma mater, is meant to emphasize the importance of diplomacy through personal connection.
Biden has also indicated that the Indo-Pacific leaders will roll out a new initiative related to his Cancer Moonshot project, aimed at reducing cancer deaths, an issue close to Biden’s heart following the death of his son Beau.
As the U.S. prepares for a potentially dramatic shift in foreign policy after the 2024 election, Biden’s final months in office will be critical in shaping his legacy and ensuring that America’s international alliances remain strong.
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