Former Obama adviser and author Ben Rhodes discusses the risks of a second Trump term, praises Biden's foreign policy focus on alliances, critiques conventional thinking. Topics include US-Israel relations, ceasefire challenges in conflict zones, Iran deal implications, and navigating complexities in foreign policy and diplomacy.
Trump's blend of strongman nationalism may create a permission structure for aggression.
Biden's foreign policy strategy emphasizes American values like democracy and human rights.
Approaches to managing China's rise vary between competition and negotiations, posing diplomatic dilemmas.
US should strengthen its democracy internally to enhance credibility and realign foreign policy strategies.
Deep dives
Trump's Impact on Foreign Policy and National Security Concerns
Trump's approach to foreign policy often focuses on otherization and chaos, using it as an extension of identity politics. In contrast, Biden aims to stand for American values like democracy and human rights. The upcoming election will likely debate these contrasting approaches to global challenges, such as active wars and a rise in aggression by autocratic leaders.
Navigating Biden's Actions on Foreign Policy and National Security
Biden's foreign policy actions showcase a mix of adjusting to the world's changing realities and reaffirming nostalgic American primacy. Washington's focus on rebuilding alliances, especially in Asia, and competing with China in areas like AI reflects a strategic shift to adapt to the emerging global landscape.
Challenges in Dealing with China
Approaches towards managing China's rise differ, with varying views on whether to focus solely on outcompeting China or to engage in negotiations and linkages. Balancing values questions, regional influence, and global challenges like climate change pose complex diplomatic dilemmas.
Reevaluating American Democracy and Foreign Policy
The US must focus on strengthening its democracy before emphasizing values abroad. Acknowledging and addressing internal issues such as racial equality and political dysfunction enhances America's credibility on the global stage, prompting a reevaluation of foreign policy strategies in alignment with domestic values.
Preparing Foreign Policy for Future Elections and Leadership Changes
To 'Trump-proof' policies, the Biden administration can bolster key initiatives by securing bipartisan support, over-resourcing vital projects, and focusing on long-term momentum. Embracing resilience against policy reversals and prioritizing stability amid shifting political landscapes ensures continuity in American foreign policy.
The Need for a Mature Approach to U.S. Foreign Policy
Reflecting on the current geopolitical challenges, a call for a mature and strategic approach to U.S. foreign policy is essential. Emphasizing consistency and foresight over short-term political swings can foster stability and effectiveness in navigating complex international relations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolving dynamics in U.S. foreign policy and national security underscore the delicate balance between domestic values, global challenges, and leadership transitions. As America navigates a tumultuous political landscape, a reevaluation of priorities and strategies is imperative to ensure resilience, credibility, and effective engagement in the international arena.
The stakes of a second Trump term are very clear to Ben Rhodes, who served for eight years as one of Barack Obama’s closest advisers on national security. “Trump’s blend of strongman nationalism and isolationism could create a permission structure for aggression,” Rhodes writes in a new piece for Foreign Affairs.
Today, Rhodes is a co-host of the podcast Pod Save the World and the author of After the Fall: Being American in the World We’ve Made. From 2009 to 2017, he served as U.S. deputy national security adviser for strategic communications and speechwriting in the Obama administration.
Rhodes is as clear-eyed about the achievements and failures of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy. If Biden does win a second term, Rhodes argues, he should set out a new strategy—one that takes the world as it is, not as Washington wishes it would be.
