- Trump’s isolationist approach: Trump prioritized American interests, implemented tariffs on China, and questioned international alliances like NATO.
- Biden’s emphasis on cooperation: Biden seeks to rebuild alliances, maintain sanctions on China and Russia, and promote international cooperation on issues like climate change and human rights.
- Immigration policies: Trump focused on border security and the construction of a border wall, while Biden aims to reverse those policies, implement comprehensive immigration reform, and provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
As the United States gears up for another presidential election, the focus on foreign policy becomes crucial. The two prominent candidates from the 2020 race, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have starkly different visions for America’s role on the global stage. Let’s delve into their contrasting approaches and analyze the implications for international relations.
Donald Trump:
America First and Isolationism During his tenure, Donald Trump adopted an isolationist stance, prioritizing American interests above all else. His adversarial approach towards China was evident in the implementation of tariffs on Chinese goods and the signing of executive orders targeting the country. Trump also displayed skepticism towards international alliances like NATO, considering a potential withdrawal and reducing direct funding.
Trump’s firm stance on immigration manifested in his controversial proposal to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico. While the wall was not fully realized, the Migration Protection Protocols policy aimed to curtail immigration by requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico until their U.S. court hearings.
Joseph Biden:
Cooperation and Reaffirming Alliances In contrast, Joe Biden’s foreign policy approach emphasizes cooperation and maintaining alliances. He has been vocal in supporting Ukraine’s independence, providing significant assistance, and implementing sanctions against Russia for its invasion. Biden’s administration has also maintained certain sanctions on China, specifically concerning its actions in Hong Kong.
Opinion: The divergent approaches of Trump and Biden reflect their fundamentally different visions for America’s role in the world. Trump’s isolationist policies centered on protecting American interests and prioritizing economic considerations. While this approach resonated with some segments of the population, it also created tensions with international partners and raised concerns about the erosion of global alliances.
Biden, on the other hand, advocates for a more cooperative approach, reinvigorating alliances and engaging in multilateral efforts to address global challenges. His emphasis on supporting Ukraine and working closely with allies sends a message of solidarity and a commitment to international norms.
Conclusion:
The upcoming presidential election presents a critical choice for the United States and its role in the global community. The contrasting foreign policy approaches of Trump and Biden will have profound implications for international relations, shaping alliances, trade dynamics, and responses to global challenges. As voters evaluate the candidates, they must carefully consider the potential consequences of each approach on America’s standing in the world. Ultimately, the next leader’s foreign policy stance will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s place on the global stage.
