Author Alex Ward discusses the evolving American foreign policy post-World War II, the consequences of Trump's win, and reevaluating American foreign policy in the Biden era. They also explore differing global perspectives on chaos and nuclear threats, assess Biden's foreign policy, and discuss the future of American foreign policy under Trumpism vs. Bidenism.
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Quick takeaways
Americans are reconsidering their country's role in the world due to accumulated problems at home and abroad.
Critics highlight hypocrisies in American foreign policy, questioning the promotion of democracy and human rights.
Deep dives
The Shift in American Foreign Policy Since 1945
Since the end of World War II in 1945, the United States has followed a largely consistent foreign policy, characterized by a bipartisan consensus that emphasized free trade, a strong military, democracy promotion, and a globalized world. However, this consensus began to break during the Trump administration, leading to a shift in American foreign policy. President Biden seeks to restore the liberal international order while making updates and incorporating some elements of Trump's approach. This has created a hybrid foreign policy that combines traditional foreign policy with a touch of 'liberal Trumpism'.
The Need to Think About Foreign Policy
During the years of American dominance in the post-World War II era, there was a lack of need to deeply consider foreign policy decisions. The US was economically strong and wrote the rules of the international game. However, with challenges emerging in the present day, such as hotspots of conflict and questions about the benefits of American dominance, there is a growing realization that more thought needs to be given to foreign policy. This comes as Americans evaluate the impact of US power on their own lives and the world.
The Hypocrisies of American Foreign Policy
Critics point out various hypocrisies in American foreign policy, especially in relation to promoting democracy and human rights while engaging in actions that may contradict those ideals. Examples include the US rallying around Ukraine's cause while Russia interfered or supporting Israel during the conflict with Hamas. These inconsistencies have led some countries to question American values and perceive the US as only playing by its own rules. This criticism challenges the traditional foreign policy narrative and highlights the importance of transparency and an honest assessment of US actions on the global stage.
The Trump-Biden Continuum and Reforming Foreign Policy
There is a shift in American foreign policy from the post-1945 consensus towards a focus on self-interest and reform. While Trump sought to upend the system, Biden aims to reform and maintain the liberal international order, while prioritizing the interests of the American middle class. Both presidents emphasize the need to compete with China and view great power competition as crucial. However, Biden's approach includes a stronger push for democracy promotion and a greater emphasis on alliances. The future of American foreign policy will be shaped by the ongoing interplay between these perspectives.
America solidified its dominant posture in the international order following World War II and largely held that position for the following half-century. But as problems have accumulated at home and abroad, Americans are reconsidering their country’s role in the world, and so are its leaders. Alex Ward, author of The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy After Trump, joins us.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area