juteralabs.com – Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has an extensive and storied career in foreign policy that spans over five decades. His experience as a U.S. Senator, Vice President under President Barack Obama, and now as President himself, has shaped his approach to international relations, security, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Biden’s foreign policy expertise is informed by his deep understanding of global issues, his diplomatic engagement with world leaders, and his commitment to advancing U.S. interests while promoting peace, human rights, and democracy worldwide.
Biden’s foreign policy experience is rooted in his belief in the power of diplomacy, multilateralism, and strong alliances. Throughout his career, he has navigated some of the most significant challenges in U.S. foreign relations, from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the rise of China as a global power. His approach to foreign policy has been marked by pragmatism, a commitment to engagement, and an understanding of the complexities of global geopolitics.
In this article, we explore Joe Biden’s extensive foreign policy experience, from his time in the Senate to his leadership as Vice President and now as President of the United States. We also examine the key themes and strategies that have defined Biden’s approach to international relations, including his advocacy for diplomacy, his commitment to alliances, and his focus on global security challenges.
Joe Biden’s Early Foreign Policy Experience in the U.S. Senate
Before becoming Vice President, Biden served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years. During this time, he was deeply involved in foreign policy and national security issues, both as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as its chairman. His time in the Senate was defined by his commitment to shaping U.S. foreign policy, advocating for human rights, and addressing global security challenges.
1. Chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Biden’s leadership in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was one of the cornerstones of his foreign policy career. As Chairman from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2009, Biden played a critical role in shaping key foreign policy initiatives, particularly in relation to the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. His work on the committee included advocating for diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values around the world.
In particular, Biden was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which dominated the early 21st century. His advocacy for a diplomatic resolution to the Iraq War, as well as his support for military engagement in Afghanistan to fight terrorism, highlighted his nuanced approach to complex foreign policy issues.
2. Advocating for Human Rights and Democracy
Throughout his Senate career, Biden was a strong advocate for human rights and democratic values. He championed U.S. support for democratic movements and human rights defenders in countries around the world. His work focused on curbing authoritarianism, protecting religious freedom, and promoting freedom of expression.
Biden was also a key figure in advocating for U.S. foreign aid and international programs that supported democracy-building efforts and poverty alleviation. He played a role in passing legislation that supported the U.S. role in promoting global health, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution.
Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy as Vice President
Biden’s foreign policy experience as Vice President under President Barack Obama was a pivotal period in his career. Serving as Obama’s chief advisor on foreign affairs, Biden played a key role in shaping the U.S. response to global crises, engaging in high-level diplomacy, and strengthening alliances around the world. His leadership in a range of international issues—from nuclear disarmament to counterterrorism—defined the Obama administration’s foreign policy legacy.
1. The Iran Nuclear Deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)
One of the defining achievements of Biden’s foreign policy tenure as Vice President was his involvement in the negotiation of the Iran Nuclear Deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, reached in 2015, was a diplomatic breakthrough that aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Biden played a central role in supporting President Obama’s push for a multilateral diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The Iran Nuclear Deal was praised by many as a model of diplomacy and international cooperation. Biden’s role in the negotiations highlighted his belief in the power of engagement and diplomacy over military confrontation. Despite its eventual unraveling during the Trump administration, Biden’s involvement in the JCPOA remains a hallmark of his foreign policy legacy.
2. The Withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan
Biden was a strong advocate for ending the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. His experience in navigating the complex dynamics of both wars gave him a unique perspective on the need to prioritize diplomacy and peacebuilding. Biden advocated for a responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, which occurred in 2011, and he was instrumental in overseeing the U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan in 2009.
Biden’s focus on diplomacy, as well as his commitment to rebuilding nations after conflict, shaped the Obama administration’s approach to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His leadership in pushing for a gradual reduction of U.S. military involvement in these countries was part of a broader vision to reduce U.S. military presence abroad while still supporting the stability of these nations through diplomatic and economic assistance.
3. Global Climate Change and International Cooperation
Biden’s time as Vice President was also marked by a strong commitment to addressing global climate change. As a key advocate for the Paris Agreement on climate change, Biden worked to ensure that the U.S. remained engaged in global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His leadership in this area underscored his belief in multilateralism and the importance of international cooperation to tackle global challenges.
Biden’s commitment to addressing climate change as a foreign policy priority was a central theme during his vice presidency. He worked closely with world leaders to ensure that the U.S. played an active role in climate negotiations and that the country adhered to international agreements aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy as President
As President of the United States, Joe Biden has continued to prioritize diplomacy, multilateralism, and the protection of democratic values on the world stage. His administration’s foreign policy is focused on rebuilding alliances, reasserting U.S. leadership, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of authoritarianism.
1. Rebuilding U.S. Alliances and Multilateral Engagement
One of Biden’s key priorities as President has been to restore U.S. relationships with traditional allies, particularly NATO and European partners. After years of tension under the Trump administration, Biden has worked to reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to its allies and has emphasized the importance of working through multilateral organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the G7.
Biden’s diplomatic approach to foreign policy has been centered around building stronger partnerships with democratic nations and confronting global challenges through collective action. His “America is back” message underscores his belief that the U.S. should play a leading role in shaping global affairs, promoting peace, and advancing human rights.
2. Confronting Global Threats and Security Challenges
Biden’s foreign policy is also focused on addressing security threats such as the rise of China, Russia’s aggressive actions, and the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism. Biden has taken a firm stance on defending human rights, countering cyber threats, and addressing the security implications of China’s growing influence in Asia and beyond.
Biden’s administration has taken steps to strengthen military alliances in the Pacific, including with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, while also bolstering U.S. support for NATO’s defense of Eastern Europe in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and other regions. Biden has also continued the U.S. commitment to counterterrorism, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, while emphasizing the importance of working with international partners to combat extremism.
3. Advancing Global Health and Climate Action
In addition to his focus on security, Biden has placed a strong emphasis on global health and climate action. His administration has made significant efforts to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and has committed to taking bold steps to address climate change through international cooperation. Biden’s leadership in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including supporting vaccine distribution and providing economic aid to affected nations, underscores his commitment to promoting global health and security.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s foreign policy experience has been shaped by his decades of leadership in the U.S. Senate, his role as Vice President, and his current presidency. His approach to foreign policy is grounded in diplomacy, multilateralism, and the belief that the United States must work in partnership with other nations to address global challenges and promote peace. Throughout his career, Biden has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing U.S. interests while championing human rights, democracy, and international cooperation.
As President, Biden’s foreign policy has emphasized rebuilding alliances, confronting security threats, and addressing issues like climate change and global health. His extensive foreign policy experience has shaped his leadership and continues to influence his approach to global diplomacy as he navigates the complexities of international relations in the 21st century.
