US President Joe Biden is leaving office with a mixed record, failing to address significant foreign policy blunders that have cost him credibility. In his farewell addresses, Biden insists on America’s strength but avoids admitting errors, a hallmark of his presidency. He left Afghanistan in disarray, miscalculated the Ukraine conflict, and failed to negotiate with China or Iran.
Biden’s reluctance to change course has hindered his ability to make tangible progress. His lack of peers in senior positions meant he relied on old aides rather than fresh perspectives, leading to policy confusion and flip-flopping. This approach contributed to the perception that Biden’s administration was out of touch with reality.
As Biden transitions out of office, the question remains whether change will come from negotiations or on the battlefield. His successor, Donald Trump, is already deriding the US as a “disaster” and a “laughingstock.” The country needs a fresh approach to foreign policy, one that prioritizes substance over rhetoric.
Michael Hirsh, a columnist for Foreign Policy, argues that Biden’s unwillingness to adjust his positions has resulted in a mixed record. His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the Afghanistan withdrawal and failed talks with Iran over nuclear disarmament. As the US looks to the future, it must prioritize a more nuanced approach to international relations.
Biden’s legacy will be defined by his inability to adapt to changing circumstances. His farewell speech may have been a attempt to salvage his reputation, but it falls short of the integrity he claimed to possess as president. The US needs a new direction, one that balances strength with wisdom and prudence.
Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/13/biden-state-department-speech-foreign-policy