Biden Defends Foreign Policy Legacy in Farewell Speech, Days Before Trump’s Return
In an address delivered at the State Department on Monday, President Joe Biden mounted a robust defense of his administration’s foreign policy achievements, just days before his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, is set to take office, Al Jazeera reports.
“We’re in an inflection point. The post-Cold War era is over. A new era has begun,” Biden declared.
He argued that despite facing significant crises, his administration has emerged stronger, leaving the incoming administration “with a very strong hand to play.”
While acknowledging “new challenges will emerge,” Biden emphasized that the US is now in a more advantageous position, boasting strengthened alliances, weakened adversaries, and renewed leadership on the global stage. He touted his administration’s success in bolstering America’s technological, economic, and strategic position against China, and providing support to Ukraine – a matter contensted by many who believe it to be a heavy weight on the US budget.
Biden’s tenure has not overall been without controversy. Critics have particularly scrutinized his administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, where the conflict has resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths. Protesters greeted Biden’s arrival with chants of “War criminal.” Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts in brokering a ceasefire, pointing to the UN-backed plan as a sign of progress, although a final agreement between Israel and Hamas remains elusive
Biden also addressed the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, defending it as a decision to end the long conflict and refocus American resources.
“When I took office, I had a choice. Ultimately, I saw no reason to keep thousands of servicemen in Afghanistan,” he said.
Biden also championed his administration’s efforts to combat climate change, rejoining the Paris Agreement, a move expected to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration.
“I know some in the incoming administration are skeptical about the need for clean energy. They don’t even believe climate change is real,” Biden said, adding they were “dead wrong”.
He further spoke about the strength of US alliances.
“Compared to four years ago, America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker,” Biden proclaimed, citing strengthened partnerships in the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region.
He emphasized the importance of NATO, while Trump has repeatedly hinted at a potential withdrawal from the alliance.
Biden concluded by advising the US to seize its diplomatic opportunities to address the challenges posed by China, end the war in Ukraine, and foster stability in the Middle East. His speech was a final plea for his vision of an America leading on the world stage.
The speech comes just seven days before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, setting the stage for a sharp divergence in foreign policy direction for the United States.
