By Irum Saleem
Biden-Harris Foreign Policy: A Critical Focus Ahead of Trump’s January 2025 Return to Office
The foreign policy agenda of the Biden-Harris administration toward Pakistan, Russia, China, and Iran is set to come under close scrutiny as Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.
For the past four years, President Joe Biden, alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, has focused on critical global issues: providing strong support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, adopting a competitive stance against China, and maintaining steadfast backing for Israel—particularly amid the current Gaza conflict.
When Biden assumed office four years ago, he immediately moved to reverse Trump’s policies. Sworn in on January 20, 2021, Biden’s administration emphasized “reasserting the U.S. role in global diplomacy” and sought to rebuild alliances strained during Trump’s term. Within his first day, Biden signed ten executive orders, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, halting the Keystone XL Pipeline Project, lifting visa restrictions on certain Muslim-majority countries, and halting construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Shortly afterward, the administration rejoined the World Health Organization (WHO) and signed 42 executive orders within the first 100 days, with a primary focus on “repairing the damage done by Trump” and restoring international relationships. The administration quickly found common ground with traditional allies and took a multilateral approach to global issues.
Ukraine and Strong Defense Against Russia
One of the defining pillars of Biden’s foreign policy was robust support for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The administration pledged $64.1 billion in defense aid, including essential air defense systems like Patriot missiles, marking one of the most significant U.S. commitments to a foreign ally in recent memory. The Biden administration also encouraged NATO allies in Europe to provide military support, including F-16 fighter jets, while urging Ukraine to avoid using U.S.-supplied weapons within Russian territory to prevent further escalation.
During several visits to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received bipartisan backing in Congress, a support Biden leveraged to sustain steady aid. At the Munich Security Conferences in 2022 and 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris reinforced the U.S. commitment to Ukraine, pledging ongoing support. Trump, however, has frequently criticized Biden’s extensive spending on Ukraine and has indicated he would adopt a more isolationist approach if re-elected.
Gaza Conflict in Biden’s Final Year
One of the most contentious issues in Biden’s foreign policy legacy has been his response to the Gaza conflict following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. While the Biden administration previously tried to balance support for Israel’s defense against Iran with an endorsement of a two-state solution, its stance shifted to unwavering support for Israel after the attacks, despite widespread criticism. During an October 18, 2023, visit to Israel, Biden expressed strong support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and pledged additional military aid.
Biden requested an additional $17.9 billion in military aid for Israel to supplement its annual $3.5 billion, though he faced scrutiny regarding humanitarian concerns in Gaza. In February, Biden issued a memorandum requiring Congress to be notified if any U.S.-funded country blocked humanitarian aid. Despite this, the administration was criticized for its response to the Gaza crisis, as USAID reports suggested that Israel hindered food assistance deliveries. The State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration even recommended freezing funds for Israel due to humanitarian concerns, though this advice went unheeded. Moreover, the Biden administration vetoed three U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, intensifying international criticism.
China and Strategic Competition
The Biden-Harris administration adopted a competitive stance with China, seeking to counter Beijing’s influence in technology and security, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Although Biden lifted some of Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, he imposed sanctions on 59 Chinese firms with ties to the Chinese government and military, aiming to curb China’s progress in semiconductor manufacturing, AI, and military technology.
The administration bolstered alliances in the Indo-Pacific through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which increased cooperation with India, Japan, and Australia. Throughout his term, Biden hosted five Quad summits to reinforce the administration’s commitment to regional cooperation. The administration also approved $850 million in arms sales to Taiwan, underscoring its commitment to Taiwan’s security. A virtual meeting in November 2021 between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed trade, Taiwan, and human rights issues, showcasing the administration’s careful navigation of the U.S.-China relationship.
Future of U.S.-Pakistan Relations Under Trump
As Trump prepares to reassume office, many in Pakistan are now closely watching for possible shifts in U.S. policy under his leadership. PAK DESTINY
