Foreign policy reflects the broader goals of a state, including defense and security concerns, economic interests, cultural values, and political ideology. It involves a mix of diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic decision-making to advance the nation’s interest and values in a global arena. Its study is known as “international relations.”
President Trump and his team have reshaped the world in ways that are profoundly damaging to America’s national security. Moreover, they are leaving the United States more isolated on the world stage. To restore American leadership and ensure that the country remains the indispensable power in a globalized economy, J. Biden must adopt a foreign policy that aims to rebuild alliances, revive economic and security partnerships, and promote human rights and liberal democracy around the globe.
A resumption of the American commitment to NATO and the European Union, for example, is critical. And the United States must recommit to climate change mitigation by rejoining the Paris agreement and encouraging other countries to do so.
In addition, the new administration must address tensions with Russia and China. This is a daunting task, particularly because many European countries are concerned about the possibility of becoming drawn into a bipolar rivalry with China in order to combat an rising Russia. They also have a strong interest in cooperating with Beijing on issues such as the coronavirus epidemic, when coordinated international efforts are needed to contain the outbreak and mitigate its economic consequences. The Constitution vests the President with the authority to conduct foreign policy, but his team — especially the Secretary of State and his or her subordinates – must execute the president’s agenda in close consultation with other senior officials, congressional leaders, and the private sector.
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