This week’s readings discuss the different instances in which different administration in the US has taken a unilateralism or multilateralism approach in foreign policy and national security matters over the last few years. In particular, we draw to the shifting in global dynamics and the evolving role of the US as a leader of the free world. As Daalder and others highlighted, the leadership role of the US in the global landscape has brought uncertainty into alliances global alliances, opening the door for China to step in as the “leader” in various initiatives. Something that in the past, to some extent, would be the role of the US.
I found these two points compiled throughout the readings since China has been seizing opportunities to increase its influence in the international landscape, filling the voice left by the US in certain regions. For example, in places like America, Latina, OR Africa, where the US has “left behind,” Bejing has been able to create “alliances” to solidify its position in the region. However, this resulted from the Trump administration’s shifting of traditional approaches to embrace unilateralism and more asserting foreign policy. It would be naive not to point out that the US has gone “soft” in how we practice diplomacy.
By “soft,” I am implying a more pleasing stance, where the consequences of inherited policies and bureaucratic hurdles within the State Department suggested that the US has lost its diplomatic skills. As Burns, in his chapter, points out, the US needs to reassess its foreign policy approach to bridge the gap between its domestic and foreign interests. In particular, by investing in the necessary resources for the State Department and returning to the fundamental principles of diplomacy.
Although Trump’s foreign policies weakened the position of the US as a global leader, to reshape the foreign and national security landscape, the US would need to recalibrate its diplomatic approach to evolve and adapt to the complex international landscape.
One reply on “Week 2/Duarte”
Yaz,
Your blog post underscores the most significant downside of the shift to unilateralism and the pursuit of a purely self-interested foreign policy, as occurred during the Trump administration. As you point out, part of the world were essentially ignored, thereby creating an opening for the Chinese. And much damage was done to multilateral structures and agreements. The Biden administration has worked hard to repair at least some of the damage both with respect to multilateral organizations like NATO and also bilateral relationships where the Chinese have been making in-roads. But a lot of work remains to be done, and it will have to be sustained over many years to win back the countries we have alienated. Much will depend on the outcome of the 2024 elections, and many governments are waiting until then to make sure that Trump is not elected. –Professor Wallerstein