456 | Alexander Ward: Biden's Internationalists, Trump's Nationalists, and the Fight for the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
Feb 20, 2024
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Politico reporter Alexander Ward discusses the origins and differences in Biden's internationalist foreign policy versus Trump's nationalists, focusing on key events like China, Kabul, and Ukraine. The podcast delves into how foreign policy influences election outcomes, the evolution of Democratic Party foreign policy towards self-interest, and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in navigating chaos and normalcy in politics.
Biden's foreign policy contrasts Trump's nationalist approach with an internationalist focus.
Foreign policy plays a critical role in elections and can influence voter perceptions.
Democrats have shifted towards a middle-class-focused foreign policy post-Trump's election.
Deep dives
Biden administration's foreign policy approach and the impact of Trump's election
The podcast episode explores the book 'The Internationalist' by Alexander Ward, which focuses on the Biden administration's foreign policy approach and the impact of Trump's election on the Democratic Party's foreign policy establishment. It delves into topics such as the Afghan withdrawal, Ukraine, China, trade wars, and the reassessment of America's engagement abroad. The central idea is the importance of reevaluating foreign policy in a post-Trump era and the aim to make it more effective for Americans by tying it to domestic policy.
Foreign policy's role in the 2024 election
The discussion in the podcast touches on the role of foreign policy in the 2024 election. While foreign policy typically plays a lesser role compared to domestic issues, it can potentially make or break a presidency. The impact of chaos abroad or a major failure in foreign policy could be detrimental to a candidate. However, the main focus of voters tends to be on domestic politics and issues like the economy.
The evolution of the Democratic Party's foreign policy viewpoint
The podcast highlights the evolution of the Democratic Party's foreign policy viewpoint in response to the election of Trump. It explores how traditional small-D democratic foreign policy circles were forced to reassess their approach and address issues such as trade, NATO, and US engagement abroad. The discussion emphasizes the party's shift towards a more focused foreign policy for the middle class, aligning with Trumpian rhetoric while still maintaining an internationalist stance.
The complexities of the Afghanistan withdrawal
The podcast delves into the complexities of the Afghanistan withdrawal, acknowledging the chaotic nature of the operation while highlighting the impressive aspects of the evacuation process. The discussion emphasizes that while the withdrawal was improvised and could have been less chaotic, it was executed reasonably well, considering the circumstances. It also explores the mixed feelings among Americans, acknowledging the need to end the war but the desire for a smoother withdrawal process.
The future of US-China relations and the importance of global stability
The podcast raises questions about the future of US-China relations and the importance of maintaining global stability. It examines the dynamic between Democrats and Republicans on issues like China, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The discussion suggests that both parties want to avoid major conflicts but have different approaches. Democrats lean towards an internationalist perspective, emphasizing ties and alignment with allies, while Republicans embrace more nationalist views. The future of these relations will impact not only domestic politics but also global stability and economic situations.
Alexander Ward, Politico reporter and author of The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy After Trump, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Alexander discuss the Biden foreign policy team and agenda's origins in the wake of Trump's surprise 2016 election, whether foreign policy does (or doesn't) determine election outcomes, where the Biden foreign policy builds upon and distances itself from Trump's, the conflicts, events, and regions that shaped 2021-2024: China, Kabul, Ukraine, and why the Biden team's orientation is best described as "internationalist" versus Trump's "nationalists."
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