Transition Turmoil: Expert Analysis of Biden’s Legacy, Trump’s Looming Agenda

As America braces for a second Trump presidency, the global landscape is fraught with instability. From raging wildfires in California to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, a sense of unease hangs heavy.

Tonight, Wyoming Star (WS) delves into the complexities of this transition with Professor Louise K. Davidson-Schmich from the University of Miami, a leading expert in political science, to dissect President Joe Biden’s legacy and the potential actions of the incoming administration under Donald Trump.

WS: President Biden is set to deliver his farewell address tonight, likely focusing on his administration’s key achievements. But let’s look at his broader term. How would you assess his handling of critical domestic issues, like immigration and border security, and the management of natural disasters?

Professor Davidson-Schmich: The Biden administration’s response to natural disasters, based on what we’ve seen from FEMA’s work in places like Florida and North Carolina, appears to be effective. Regarding immigration, we’ve seen significant numbers of people intercepted at the southern border, many fleeing violence and poverty. However, it’s important to note that these high rates were also present during the previous Trump administration.

The issues driving migration are complex and transcend presidential terms.

WS: President Biden also delivered a final address on foreign policy earlier this week, noting his administration was leaving a “strong hand to play.” He highlighted efforts to deter China and the withdrawal from Afghanistan, though that withdrawal remains highly controversial.

Shifting to the international stage, President Biden faced monumental challenges in Ukraine and the Middle East. What’s your assessment of his administration’s impact in those volatile regions?

Professor Davidson-Schmich: President Biden, like the United Nations and other international actors, has been unable to stop the violence in either conflict. Unfortunately, these situations underscore the growing instability and propensity for violence on the global stage.

This escalating instability will pose significant difficulties for the incoming administration.

WS: Let’s focus specifically on the Middle East. Given the current conflict in Gaza, what specific policy shifts might we expect from a Trump administration compared to Biden’s approach?

Professor Davidson-Schmich: It appears likely that President Trump will continue the long-standing US tradition of strong support for Israel. However it’s unlikely that Trump will urge Israel to show restraint in Gaza.

WS: Turning to Russia, President-elect Trump has announced plans to meet with President Vladimir Putin soon after taking office. He cited the desire to end the war in Ukraine as a key driver. How might this meeting impact the situation in Ukraine?

Professor Davidson-Schmich: If President Trump were to side with Putin and cease US military aid to Ukraine, it would be devastating for Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia. It’s a scenario that could dramatically shift the power dynamic on the ground and potentially result in a Russian victory.

This is a critical moment and the decisions made by the new US President will have profound global ramifications.

WS: President-elect Trump has also outlined some ambitious and controversial territorial goals, including acquiring Greenland, absorbing Canada as a US state, and retaking the Panama Canal. What are the most likely scenarios if these claims are actively pursued?

Professor Davidson-Schmich: If President Trump were to order the US military to seize these territories, as some suggest, it would be a radical and illegal departure from established international norms. This action would be a clear breach of international law. In such a scenario, diplomatic solutions would be highly improbable. I simply can’t envision Denmark voluntarily abandoning Greenland or Canada and Panama ceding their sovereign territory willingly.

Military force in this regard would likely escalate tensions dramatically.

Overall, the one thing is clear: the transition of power from President Biden to President-elect Trump is occurring against a backdrop of significant global instability. The incoming administration will face immediate and profound challenges, from managing existing conflicts to navigating contentious territorial claims.