Joe Biden delivered a pivotal speech on foreign policy, reflecting on his administration's achievements just days before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The address marked a significant moment in U.S. politics, encapsulating the end of Biden's four-year presidential tenure. In his remarks, he asserted that the United States has emerged more powerful, while its adversaries have weakened since he entered the White House.
In his speech, Biden highlighted his administration's efforts to rally support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, which began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. He emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance, acknowledging its role in providing assistance to Ukraine while also defending the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This withdrawal fulfilled an agreement brokered under Trump's administration, effectively bringing two decades of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan to a close.
Biden stated, “Compared to four years ago, America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen." He underscored that the U.S. faces fewer immediate threats than when he took office, arguing that his administration has successfully navigated crises that have ultimately tested and fortified the nation.
The president also took a moment to criticize Trump's proposed deregulation of the energy sector, stating, “I know some in the incoming administration are sceptical about the need for clean energy. They don’t even believe climate change is real.” He further remarked, “I think they come from a different century. They’re wrong. They are dead wrong. It’s the single greatest existential threat to humanity.”
Biden's speech also touched on renewed alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting partnerships with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. He pointed out that the U.S. has increased its diplomatic clout, creating more allies than ever before in its history.
Biden positioned his administration as one focused on diplomacy and international cooperation. “We’ve increased our diplomatic power, creating more allies than the United States has ever had in the history of our nation,” he noted. He expressed optimism about upcoming diplomatic engagements, including recent conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
He acknowledged the complexities of ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. “So many innocent people have been killed, so many communities have been destroyed. Palestinian people deserve peace,” Biden stated during his address. He urged American leaders to capitalize on current geopolitical opportunities, asserting, “The United States should take full advantage of the diplomatic and geopolitical opportunities we’ve created.”
Biden also reflected on the importance of continued international collaboration to address global challenges posed by countries like China and Russia. He committed to “keep bringing countries together to deal with challenges posed by China, make sure [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war ends and, lastly, capitalize on a new moment for a more stable, integrated Middle East.”
As he concluded his remarks, Biden reiterated that his administration has not only focused on ending wars but has also redirected efforts toward more pressing global issues. “By ending the war, we have been able to focus our energy and resources on more urgent challenges,” he explained.
Biden’s address was interpreted as a strategic response to Trump's recent comments regarding foreign policy and national defense. Analysts noted that Biden aimed to present a positive outlook on his administration’s accomplishments while addressing criticisms.
Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara remarked that Biden was trying to "put positive spin on so many things that are obviously incredibly negative." This comment reflects ongoing debates about the effectiveness of Biden's foreign policy initiatives in light of existing global tensions.
