Beyond the Restorationist Narrative: The Biden Foreign Policy Legacy and Its Implications

The recent debate within the Democratic Party over the future of its foreign policy has been marked by personal attacks and partisan posturing. Beneath this noise lies a more profound discussion about America’s role in the world, with significant implications for the country’s identity and purpose on the global stage.

One thread in this debate revolves around Senator Brian Schatz’s call for a new crop of foreign policy staffers in the next Democratic administration. Critics have seized upon his words as an excuse to dismiss the legacy of the Biden administration. But what exactly has that legacy been?

Biden’s tenure was marked by a significant departure from traditional Democratic foreign policy thinking, characterized by “America is back.” He sought to chart a new course, emphasizing domestic industrial strength over globalization and prioritizing strategic competition with China.

This shift was not without its challenges and contradictions. On the one hand, Biden’s administration armed Ukraine to the tune of billions of dollars, marking one of the largest security-assistance efforts in U.S. history. This move was seen as a bold assertion of American power in the face of Russian aggression. On the other hand, Biden also pursued a policy of managed competition with China, which some have criticized for being overly cautious and timid.

Biden’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza has been widely panned. Critics argue that he failed to use sufficient leverage to persuade or compel the Israeli government to minimize civilian casualties and mass displacement. Some have even suggested that Biden’s administration should have conditioned aid to Israel on its actions, a move that would have sent a clear signal about America’s expectations for its ally.

The state of American foreign policy raises important questions: Does it indicate a lack of resolve or a failure to understand the complexities of global politics? Or is it simply a sign of the times – a recognition that the world has changed and old certainties no longer apply?

The Limits of Neoliberal Assumptions

The Biden administration’s departure from traditional Democratic foreign policy thinking was not just a matter of personnel or ideology. Rather, it reflected a fundamental shift in how America sees itself in the world. Gone are the days when globalization and free trade were seen as panaceas for global stability and American prosperity.

For decades, Democratic administrations have been guided by the assumption that expanding globalization and integrating supply chains would naturally strengthen both American prosperity and international stability. However, this approach has been shown to be flawed in practice – witness the rise of nationalist movements around the world and growing concerns about trade imbalances and economic inequality.

The Biden administration’s wager was that domestic industrial strength, not global integration, would become the foundation of national power. This shift is a recognition that America’s own economic security and resilience are at stake in an increasingly competitive world.

The Rise of Strategic Competition

Biden’s approach to Russia and China was marked by a greater emphasis on strategic competition than his Democratic predecessors. His administration armed Ukraine, provided extensive intelligence support, and pursued a policy of managed competition with China – including limiting the export of advanced semiconductor chips, regulating U.S. investment in Chinese firms, and deepening alliances.

This approach has been criticized for being too confrontational and risk-averse. Some argue that it neglects the need for cooperation and dialogue in an increasingly multipolar world. However, others see it as a necessary response to the growing challenges posed by Russia’s aggression and China’s rising power.

The Future of Democratic Foreign Policy

The Biden foreign policy legacy will not be easily forgotten or dismissed. Instead, it will serve as a touchstone for the next generation of policymakers and diplomats. What does this mean for the future of American foreign policy? Will we see a return to traditional Democratic thinking – with its emphasis on cooperation and restraint? Or will we continue down the path of strategic competition and managed confrontation?

As America’s role in the world continues to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, policymakers will need to navigate this complex landscape with nuance, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the global forces at play. The Biden foreign policy legacy will continue to shape American diplomacy – for better or worse. But what does this mean for the next chapter in America’s story? Will we learn from our mistakes and adapt to the changing world? Or will we stumble into new crises and challenges?