Overview
President Joe Biden is set to deliver a farewell address on Monday at the State Department, where he will reflect on his foreign policy legacy and highlight key achievements from his administration. The speech, described by officials as a "capstone address," marks a significant moment as Biden concludes his term and prepares for the transition of power back to former President Donald Trump.
The address is expected to focus on Biden’s efforts to restore U.S. leadership on the global stage, strengthen alliances, and navigate significant geopolitical challenges, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Achievements of Biden's Foreign Policy
1. Strengthening NATO and Alliance Unity Biden played a pivotal role in revitalizing NATO, overseeing its expansion to include additional member nations. His administration focused on reinforcing NATO's collective security framework, emphasizing the alliance's importance in countering threats from Russia and other adversaries.
2. Support for Ukraine Under Biden's leadership, the U.S. coordinated with dozens of allies to provide Ukraine with sustained military aid in its fight against Russia’s invasion. The administration framed this support as a critical effort to uphold democratic values and deter authoritarian aggression.
3. Historic Agreements in Asia Biden brokered a landmark agreement between Japan and South Korea, enhancing security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This agreement aimed to counter growing threats from North Korea and China while strengthening partnerships in a region vital to global trade and security.
A Symbolic Venue
The State Department holds special significance for Biden. Nearly four years ago, in February 2021, Biden chose this venue to deliver his first major foreign policy speech. That address was a stark departure from the “America First” policies of his predecessor, Donald Trump.
Biden declared that "America is back" and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to multilateralism and global engagement. His upcoming farewell speech is seen as a bookend to that initial message, reinforcing the themes of diplomacy and alliance-building that defined his tenure.
Contrast with the Incoming Trump Administration
As Biden reflects on his foreign policy legacy, the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to take a vastly different approach:
Scaling Back Ukraine Support: Trump has been critical of the costs associated with aiding Ukraine in its war against Russia. He has signaled a potential reduction in U.S. support, calling for Europe to bear a greater share of the burden.
Demanding More from NATO: Trump plans to push NATO allies to dramatically increase their defense spending, reflecting his long-standing view that the U.S. carries an unfair financial load within the alliance.
Strategic Territorial Interests: Trump has floated controversial ideas, including the potential use of military force to secure U.S. control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. He argues that these territories are vital to American national security and global influence.
A Defining Moment
Biden’s speech is not just a farewell to the diplomatic corps but also a final opportunity to define his worldview as a leader who prioritized global partnerships and collective action. By contrast, Trump’s forthcoming policies suggest a return to a more unilateral and transactional approach to foreign relations.
Why This Matters?
The transition from Biden’s multilateralism to Trump’s more isolationist tendencies represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Biden’s address will serve as both a reflection on the challenges faced during his presidency and a call to sustain the values and partnerships he sought to strengthen.
As the world watches this transition, Biden’s speech will likely offer insights into the direction he hopes the nation will maintain, even as the incoming administration charts its own path forward.
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