America Is Back: Biden’s Revival Plan for Foreign Policy

On February 4^th, President Biden addressed the nation from the U.S Department of State Headquarters to provide official remarks regarding his plan to set the U.S back onto the path of international diplomacy.

President Biden also met with new Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, and weighed in on repairing alliances that were broken during the previous administration.

He highlighted the need to strengthen American leadership to “meet this new moment of advancing authoritarianism, including the growing ambitions of China to rival the United States and the determination of Russia to damage and disrupt our democracy.” said Biden. 

The President also took the occasion to inform the public on recent actions regarding allies, partners, and the overall international community derived from the line of action his foreign policy plans will follow.  

On this, he addressed the military coup in Myanmar stating that the military should withdraw and release the people they have detained, including activists, advocates and officials.

The president also announced that further actions in Myanmar, including possible sanctions from the U.S, are underway. He then discussed rebuilding relationships after speaking with leaders of long-time allies such as Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, France, NATO, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, to rebuild democratic alliances neglected by Trump’s administration.

China and Russia were an important focus on Biden’s remarks.

Regarding Russia, the President agreed to extend for five more years the only remaining treaty among both nations, the New START Treaty, safeguarding nuclear stability.

However, he also addressed the rivalry with the country and the human rights issues currently unfolding in the world’s biggest country.

“I made it clear to President Putin, in a manner very different from my predecessor, that the days of the United States rolling over in the face of Russia’s aggressive actions — interfering with our elections, cyberattacks, poisoning its citizens — are over.  We will not hesitate to raise the cost on Russia and defend our vital interests and our people” said Biden.

Furthermore, the President called for the immediate release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was recently jailed for his advocacy actions opposing Putin’s regime.

The Commander in Chief referred to China as “their most serious competitor” also stating “we’ll confront China’s economic abuses; counter its aggressive, coercive action; to push back on China’s attack on human rights, intellectual property, and global governance”.

Further remarks included rejoining the Paris Agreement, reengaging with the World Health Organization, stepping up diplomacy efforts to end the war in Yemen and raising refugee admissions to 125,000 persons.

On this same tone, the President stressed having signed an executive order to overturn both the Muslim ban and the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.

“The United States will again lead not just by the example of our power but the power of our example” said Biden, concluding the remarks on the revival of American Diplomacy.