Joe Biden beginning his departure from the international stage at the last G20 summit as US President and working on his political legacy.
He made an urgent appeal to the heads of state and government of the main economic powers to support the Ukraine not letting up.
“The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I believe everyone else at this table should do the same,” Biden said just about two months before the inauguration Donald Trumps to the White House. US media previously reported that Biden would allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against certain targets in Russia.
Biden also commented on the situation in Gaza in what was probably his last major appearance on the international stage. “Israel has a right to defend itself after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” said the outgoing US president. But how he defends himself – even if the Islamist Hamas hides cruelly among civilians - is of great importance. Biden confirmed that the US was continuing to work on an agreement for a ceasefire. “I ask everyone present to increase the pressure on Hamas, which is currently rejecting this agreement.”
Biden begins his retreat
The war in Ukraine and the terrorist attack of Hamas on October 7, 2023 Israel, the the Gaza-Krieg that inspired, shaped and overshadowed the Democratic presidency. For Biden, the summit is now the beginning of his withdrawal from world politics. However, the president is holding back from making appearances outside of the summit program. Before the summit i Brazil Biden visited the Amazon and gave a short speech. There is no press conference scheduled in Rio.
Instead the president will be traveling this evening (local time) after having lunch with the president of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva back to Washington. He celebrates his 82nd birthday on Wednesday. He withdrew from the presidential race in the summer after doubts about his mental health. His deputy Kamala Harris lost in the US election two weeks ago to the Republican Trump, who is likely to reverse many of Biden’s achievements.
All performance under the microscope
When he reached the summit, it was a source of confusion for the President of the United States because, like most people, he did not walk up a rather long and somewhat steep ramp to greet Brazilian President Lula. Instead, he chose an internal entrance to reach the higher floor. The White House later emphasized that this was the case Safety concerns lain. When Biden was still the Democratic presidential candidate, his own doctor did all the appearances of the US president “stiff gait” certified, examined. Every stumble or awkward step up and down was shown on television.
Biden’s legacy
This burden has now been lifted slightly by the outgoing US President. Instead, in his final months in office, he is trying to his heritage to be working. When Biden moved into the White House in January 2021, he had a message: America is back. His predecessor Trump had broken a lot of china, Biden picked up the pieces again: Biden assured his partners that they would depending on the United States of America could – he gave offensive support to NATO and emphasized the high importance of international alliances. However, Trump is likely to rely on bilateral alliances again from January “America first” – Politics set.
How might President Trump’s foreign policy approach differ from Biden’s after the transition?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Foreign Policy Expert Dr. Ava Thompson
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ava Thompson, and thank you for joining us to discuss President Biden’s recent G20 summit attendance and what it indicates for his political legacy. It seems he is truly stepping away from the international scene. How significant is this moment for his presidency?
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. Indeed, President Biden’s participation in the G20 could be viewed as a capstone to his international engagements. It’s noteworthy that he emphasized support for Ukraine and addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, highlighting both circumstances that have defined his term. His calls for unity in support of Ukraine reflect the strategic priorities he has maintained throughout his presidency, but it also underscores the challenges he faced.
Editor: Biden’s remarks on Ukraine were firm, stating that the U.S. “strongly supports” the country’s sovereignty. How does this stance align with the broader international attitude toward the conflict?
Dr. Thompson: Biden’s insistence on Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial, especially as tensions continue to escalate. His message was a reminder of the U.S. leadership role in rallying allies to maintain pressure on Russia. Moreover, the potential allowance for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against specific Russian targets indicates a possible shift toward a more aggressive U.S. stance. This move, while strategic, could lead to heightened tensions not just between Russia and Ukraine but also with other global powers that are monitoring the situation very closely.
Editor: Shifting to the Middle East, Biden spoke about Israel’s right to defend itself and the importance of a ceasefire agreement concerning Hamas. Can you elaborate on the implications of his comments, especially considering his position as an outgoing president?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. Biden’s support for Israel comes at a significant moment, particularly given the horrific nature of the attacks and the historical context. He referenced the profound moral and humanitarian complexities involved, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. As an outgoing president, his appeal to international leaders to pressure Hamas reflects his desire to leave behind a foundation of diplomatic involvement, even as he faces challenges at home and abroad. This balancing act is indicative of his broader foreign policy approach, which often seeks diplomacy alongside support for allies.
Editor: As Biden’s presidency approaches its end, particularly with his recent withdrawal from the presidential race, what legacy do you think he will leave in terms of foreign relations?
Dr. Thompson: Biden’s legacy is likely to be mixed. While he made significant strides in international coalitions, particularly concerning climate change and democratic alliances, his handling of crises like those in Ukraine and Gaza will also define him. The way he navigated these challenges—especially with an incoming Trump administration that may reverse his policies—will be a double-edged sword. There’s potential instability ahead, and how Biden’s foreign policies are viewed in hindsight will depend on the actions of the next administration.
Editor: With Biden’s departure from the international stage, how do you see the future of U.S. foreign policy under a potential Trump presidency?
Dr. Thompson: A Trump presidency could signal a substantial pivot in U.S. foreign policy. Trump has traditionally favored a more unilateral approach, often prioritizing an “America First” agenda that may de-emphasize multilateral engagements. This could reverse some of Biden’s key initiatives, notably in climate policy and support for allies like Ukraine. The trends of isolationism could resurface, complicating alliances that Biden helped strengthen. It will be critical for policy analysts and international watchers to closely monitor the transitions in U.S. diplomacy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights today. As we witness this transition, it’s clear that the implications of Biden’s international actions will resonate long after his departure from office.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a pivotal moment in U.S. history, and the consequences of these policy shifts will unfold in the coming years.