In a move that can only be described as the diplomatic equivalent of leaving a ‘kick me’ sign on your own back, President Joe Biden has declared that his foreign policy legacy provides incoming President-elect Donald Trump with a ‘strong hand to play’ on the global stage. Yes, you heard that right.
The same administration that oversaw a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and struggled to contain escalating conflicts now claims to have set the table perfectly for its successor. During a recent address at the State Department, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to expand NATO, support Ukraine against Russian aggression, and counter China’s economic influence. He asserted that these initiatives have left the United States in a stronger position internationally.
One might wonder if this is the same ‘strength’ that led to the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan, leaving behind billions in military equipment and countless American allies stranded. Biden’s self-congratulatory tone seems to overlook the inconvenient reality that many of these ‘achievements’ are, at best, half-baked. Take, for instance, the support for Ukraine. While it’s true that the U.S. provided military aid, it’s equally true that the conflict has dragged on with no clear resolution in sight.
The administration’s piecemeal approach has often been reactive rather than proactive, leaving allies questioning America’s commitment and adversaries emboldened.
In the Middle East, Biden touts his efforts to broker peace and stabilize the region. Yet, under his watch, we’ve witnessed renewed violence and instability. The recent conflicts involving Israel and Hamas are a testament to the administration’s inability to effectively mediate and maintain peace. It’s akin to a firefighter claiming victory while the building continues to smolder. Perhaps the most glaring example of this ‘strong hand’ is the administration’s handling of China.
Biden points to increased competitiveness through domestic initiatives like boosting semiconductor manufacturing. However, these efforts have done little to curb China’s aggressive economic policies and territorial ambitions. The Chinese Communist Party continues to expand its influence, unabated and unchallenged in any meaningful way. As for the much-lauded expansion of NATO, it’s worth noting that this process began long before Biden took office.
The administration’s attempts to take credit for decades-long efforts is like a substitute quarterback spiking the ball after a touchdown drive orchestrated by the starting lineup. In his address, Biden also mentioned the importance of a smooth transition and the need for the incoming administration to build upon his policies.
This is rich, considering the numerous bureaucratic hurdles and last-minute policy shifts implemented in the waning days of his presidency. It’s akin to handing over the keys to a car with the tires slashed and gas tank empty, then advising the new driver to maintain speed.
The reality is that President-elect Trump inherits a foreign policy landscape fraught with challenges exacerbated, if not directly caused, by the very administration now patting itself on the back. The ‘strong hand’ Biden references feels more like a sleight of hand, diverting attention from unresolved crises and strategic blunders. In the end, Biden’s farewell tour appears less about genuine accomplishments and more about crafting a narrative to obscure a legacy of foreign policy failures.
The incoming administration will need more than empty platitudes and dubious claims of success; it will require a complete reassessment and a commitment to restoring America’s standing through strength, clarity, and decisive action. One can only hope that President-elect Trump sees through the smoke and mirrors, recognizing that the ‘strong hand’ he’s been dealt is, in fact, a call to rectify the mistakes of his predecessor. The world is watching, and it’s time to show what real leadership looks like.
