Biden has to start by raising America’s image. This country has a democratic structure and a moral solvency that should be the flag in this project.
The “America first” (the United States first), in a world like the one we live in, can be a path to failure. I believe that it is necessary to open, with intelligence, the borders, the broad sense: economically, seeking to retake and strengthen markets and in terms of immigration policy, welcoming qualified labor, professionals and technicians that the internal labor demand requires . Today it is almost impossible to legally migrate to this country.
Recovering the state of relations with China seems to be a priority for Biden and it should be, but let it be between equals. That will be one of Biden’s challenges.
The new government must not forget that the European Union can be a great ally, especially now that the United Kingdom is outside the bloc. This position is contrary to the policy of bilateral relations promoted by Trump. Negotiating with the entire bloc can bring enormous advantages, especially commercial ones.
From my point of view, having Kim Jong Un up close and personal in North Korea is worth it. With Saudi Arabia, a new stage would have to be rethought. It is unfinished business for an ally like that to join the Abrahamic Accords.
Close relations will continue with Israel; he is the most loyal of friends in the area and one of the few western-minded democracies, which brings balance. Despite this, it seems that the conflict with the Palestinians will regain importance. In this regard, caution is paramount.
Returning to the Paris Agreement on climate change is a promise from Biden and something very simple to execute, but it comes at an economic cost. There you have to be very aware that everyone keeps their promises, not just the United States.
The return to the agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear race seems to be a fact, but not only because it is within Biden’s promises
Added to this is the appointment of William Burns, former negotiator of that agreement, as the next director of the CIA. I have particularly expressed my reservations in this regard, as I believe that he could have an influence from his new position. Iran may be better off keeping it at bay with sanctions and stifling it economically, since its failure to comply with the agreement has been demonstrated.
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Returning to the WHO is more than sung. It would not be wrong to audit what the funds are being invested in and how the covid-19 crisis has been managed, without forgetting that the handling of the pandemic in the US is far from being an example: it is the country with the most cases and more deaths from the virus.
Biden should also have some gesture with NATO; an important entity, but strategically abandoned by Washington.
In relation to Russia, President Vladimir Putin has shown gestures and intentions of rapprochement with the new government and Moscow can be a good ally to resolve international geopolitical issues.
Latin America, pending task
Venezuela is one of the most important challenges for Washington. There are many expectations: one of the richest countries in the region is facing the abyss and in addition, hundreds of thousands of its citizens seek refuge in this country. The strategy of this government could seek more dialogue than confrontation. Hopefully it works out.
As for Cuba, it is very likely that Biden will follow Obama’s strategy in relation to the island: openness and more contacts. Biden himself told CBS in April 2020 that he would restore relations.
Latin America has tremendous development potential and constitutes a great challenge for President Biden; it is opportune to rebuild and weave alliances. As historian Vanni Pettinà points out: “This is the time to think about an alternative project for the US relationship with Latin America and to definitively leave behind the exceptionalism and the damaging Monroe Doctrine that has damaged the region so much.”
With Mexico, despite the friendship between Trump and López Obrador, the thing is simpler: they are neighbors, condemned to maintain a good relationship for the benefit of both, in all aspects. In trade there is a lot of room to grow. Likewise, it is urgent to find a solution to the massive arrival of Central Americans that will not only be solved with asylums: the idea is to generate policies that encourage better living conditions in those countries so that it is more attractive to live in them than to emigrate and here, Mexico and the US have to go hand in hand. It remains to be seen how cooperation will be in the fight against drug trafficking after the episode of General Salvador Cienfuegos.
Latin America has tremendous development potential and constitutes a great challenge for President Biden; it is opportune to rebuild and weave alliances. As historian Vanni Pettinà points out: “This is the time to think about an alternative project for the US relationship with Latin America and to definitively leave behind the exceptionalism and the damaging Monroe Doctrine that has damaged the region so much.”
Biden’s success will necessarily go through good management in foreign policy.
Mr. Biden: Good luck! You will need it.