As the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden leaves behind a mixed and polarizing legacy in foreign policy. His presidency (2021–2025) was marked by numerous geopolitical challenges, ranging from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with China. This post delves into Biden’s foreign policy approach, examining its successes, failures, and long-term implications.
The Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Chaotic Conclusion to a 20-Year War
One of the most defining moments of Biden’s presidency was the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. While the withdrawal stemmed from a deal struck by his predecessor, Donald Trump, Biden chose to adhere to an arbitrary deadline of September 11, 2021—a decision widely criticized for its symbolic rather than strategic value.
Key Events:
- Rapid Taliban Takeover: Despite intelligence warnings about the fragility of Afghanistan’s government, Biden accelerated the withdrawal timeline, leading to the Taliban’s swift capture of Kabul on August 15, 2021.
- Airlift Effort: Over 122,000 people were evacuated during a chaotic airlift operation, showcasing U.S. logistical capabilities but overshadowed by a deadly suicide bombing at Kabul Airport that killed 13 U.S. service members and 169 Afghan civilians.
- Criticism: The withdrawal was described as a failure of leadership and planning, with the U.S. State Department’s 2023 after-action report citing insufficient preparation for worst-case scenarios.
While the decision to leave Afghanistan was arguably inevitable, the manner in which it unfolded remains a blemish on Biden’s foreign policy record.
Ukraine: Leading, Yet Hesitating
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 thrust Biden into the center of Europe’s most significant conflict since World War II. His administration provided critical support to Ukraine but faced criticism for a perceived lack of decisiveness.
Achievements:
- Military Aid: The U.S. became the largest military supporter of Ukraine, supplying advanced weaponry, including HIMARS rocket systems and intelligence for major operations.
- Global Leadership: Biden rallied NATO and other allies, strengthening the transatlantic alliance in response to Russian aggression.
Critiques:
- Half Measures: Delays in providing key weapons and technologies, such as advanced air defense systems and long-range missiles, weakened Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts.
- Missed Opportunities: A more robust and timely response could have positioned Ukraine more favorably in the war.
Biden’s approach reflected a cautious balancing act, prioritizing support without provoking direct conflict with Russia—a strategy that yielded mixed results.
The Middle East: Pragmatism Amid Chaos
Initially adopting a “back-to-basics” approach to the Middle East, Biden’s presidency witnessed a dramatic shift following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
Successes:
- Normalization Efforts: Biden played a key role in fostering Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic outreach to Iran and the early stages of normalization talks with Israel.
- Support for Israel: Biden’s administration provided significant military aid to Israel during its response to the Hamas attacks.
Failures:
- Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Biden’s unwavering support for Israel drew criticism for enabling a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with widespread civilian displacement and casualties.
- Geopolitical Fallout: The conflict derailed efforts toward broader regional peace, including Saudi-Israeli normalization.
Biden’s Middle East policy underscored his administration’s pragmatism but also revealed the limitations of balancing alliances with ethical concerns.
U.S.-China Relations: A Cold War Redux?
Biden’s presidency saw escalating tensions with China, particularly over Taiwan, trade, and military dominance. His approach combined economic decoupling with alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific.
Achievements:
- Strengthening Alliances: Biden revitalized partnerships with South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, bolstered the AUKUS pact, and facilitated a detente between South Korea and Japan.
- Economic Measures: The CHIPS Act aimed to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese semiconductors.
Challenges:
- Limited Impact: Despite efforts, U.S. reliance on Chinese critical inputs remains significant, and supply chain vulnerabilities persist.
- Missed Opportunities: Biden’s approach to containing China lacked the decisive strategies required to address Beijing’s growing influence in Africa, Latin America, and other regions.
Haiti and Africa: Neglected Frontiers
Haiti:
Biden’s refusal to commit U.S. troops to Haiti’s worsening crisis highlighted his administration’s limitations in dealing with the Western Hemisphere. Attempts to broker international interventions floundered, and gang violence spiraled, leaving Haiti in a state of collapse.
Africa:
Efforts to counter China’s influence on the continent through initiatives like the Lobito Corridor yielded limited results. While Biden secured some resource partnerships, his administration failed to address broader instability and governance issues across Africa.
Conclusion: A Mixed Foreign Policy Legacy
Joe Biden’s foreign policy tenure was defined by a blend of pragmatism, hesitation, and occasional missteps. While his administration made significant strides in certain areas, such as rallying NATO against Russia and fostering alliances in Asia, many initiatives were marred by half measures and missed opportunities. His presidency leaves behind a world grappling with unresolved conflicts, fragile alliances, and the growing influence of rival powers.
As historians assess Biden’s foreign policy legacy, one theme is likely to stand out: a presidency of cautious ambitions that fell short of transforming America’s role on the global stage.
FAQs: Biden’s Foreign Policy
1. What was Biden’s most controversial foreign policy decision? The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 is widely regarded as Biden’s most controversial decision.
2. How did Biden handle the Ukraine crisis? Biden provided extensive military and financial aid to Ukraine but faced criticism for delays and half measures.
3. Did Biden improve U.S.-China relations? Relations remained tense, with Biden focusing on economic decoupling and alliance-building to counter China’s influence.