Stephen Wertheim and Nadia Schadlow discuss Biden's foreign policy successes and failures, including his stance on Ukraine, China policy, and concerns about his approach to the US-China relationship. They address concerns about Biden's statements on Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the one China policy while enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities.
The Biden administration's China policy is viewed favorably, emphasizing China as a long-term strategic competitor and the importance of informing other countries about potential risks.
Concerns are raised about the approach taken in handling the Ukraine crisis, including signals sent to Russia, delays in decision implementation, and the need for clarity on objectives and potential risks of escalation.
Deep dives
Assessing the Biden Administration's Foreign Policy
The podcast episode discusses the performance of the Biden administration in navigating the complex global landscape. It covers various key points, such as the lack of a clear Biden doctrine in foreign policy, the administration's approach in handling the Ukraine crisis, and the evaluation of its China policy. The guests, Nadia Shadlao and Stephen Wirthheim, offer differing perspectives on these topics. Nadia sees the administration's China policy favorably, emphasizing its view of China as a long-term strategic competitor. On the other hand, Stephen expresses concerns about the potential risks of escalation and the need for competitive coexistence with China. They also discuss the dynamics of America's relationship with European countries and NATO, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
The Biden Administration's Handling of the Ukraine Crisis
The episode examines the Biden administration's management of the Ukraine crisis and explores the factors preceding Biden's presidency that shaped the situation. Nadia highlights the significance of supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities in countering Russia's invasion and expresses reservations about the incremental approach taken by the administration. She raises concerns about signals sent to Russia and the delay in implementing decisions. Stephen, while generally positive about the administration's efforts, emphasizes the need for clarity on objectives and potential risks of escalation. He also discusses the framing of the conflict as a struggle between democracies and autocracies and its implications for global perceptions of Ukraine's situation.
Evaluating the Biden Administration's China Policy
The podcast analyzes the Biden administration's approach towards China and the perspectives of its China experts. Nadia explains the administration's view of China as a long-term strategic threat, emphasizing its focus on technology and national security. She notes the importance of informing other countries about the potential risks associated with China in areas such as technology and investments. Stephen, however, expresses concerns about U.S.-China relations and the potential for dangerous escalation. He highlights the need for competitive coexistence with China and raises reservations about statements made by President Biden regarding Taiwan, cautioning against actions that may undermine the one China policy and risk conflict.
Biden Foreign Policy : Two years into his first term, how has U.S. President Joe Biden fared on foreign policy? FP’s Ravi Agrawal discusses the Biden administration’s foreign-policy successes and failures, with Stephen Wertheim, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Nadia Schadlow, a former U.S. deputy national security advisor for strategy.
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