Biden vs Trump foreign policy: Political scientist Stephen Walt weighs in
Mar 23, 2024
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Harvard Professor Stephen Walt and Ian Bremmer discuss the similarities in foreign policy between a second Trump term and Biden. They debate on issues like China, Ukraine, and the Middle East, suggesting minimal differences in approaches. Walt argues that the contrast is not as stark as perceived, challenging Bremmer's view on the matter. A thought-provoking discussion on potential global implications under both administrations.
Trump's nationalist stance contrasts with Biden's globalist approach, particularly concerning alliances with European countries.
The episode highlights the similarity in Middle East policies between the Biden and Trump administrations, showing minimal divergence in approaches post-October 7th incidents.
Deep dives
Foreign Policy in the 2024 Election
The difference between Trump and Biden lies in their approach to foreign policy. While Biden leans towards globalism and focuses on democracies versus autocracies, Trump is more nationalist and unilateralist. The podcast explores how foreign conflicts, like the war in Gaza and Ukraine, could impact voter perceptions in the 2024 election. Both candidates exhibit nuanced differences, particularly on issues like China and Taiwan, with Biden pursuing a multilateral approach while Trump tends towards unilateral actions.
US Engagement with Europe and NATO
Trump's nationalist stance contrasts with Biden's globalist approach, especially concerning alliances with European countries. Biden aims to strengthen cooperation with European allies, focusing on a unified stance against autocracies. In contrast, Trump's emphasis on nationalism may lead to reduced US support for Europe, potentially impacting NATO commitments and regional security. The discussion emphasizes potential implications on European alliances under a second Trump term.
Comparing Middle East Policies
The episode highlights the similarity in Middle East policies between the Biden and Trump administrations. Both have maintained continuity in dealing with issues like the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli-Palestinian relations. Notably, the continuity extends post-October 7th incidents, indicating minimal divergence in approaches towards the Middle East. The analysis underscores the alignment in policies and challenges faced by both administrations in the region.
On this episode of GZERO World Podcast, Ian Bremmer and Harvard Kennedy School Professor Stephen Walt discuss foreign policy differences between a second term for Biden or Trump on issues like China, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Walt argues that American foreign policy under a second Trump term wouldn’t be so different from the last four years under Biden. “The daylight may not be as great as people think,” Walt tells Ian. For instance, Walt says, “It's hard to see a big change between the Trump administration's approach to the Middle East and what the Biden administration was doing up until October 7." On China, Ukraine and the Mideast, Walt doesn’t see a big difference between the last two US presidents.
That hasn’t been Ian Bremmer’s view, to say the least. Well, that sounds like the makings of a good discussion. So let’s have it.