Biden's foreign policy - the changes and the constraints

At the 100th day mark, it’s clear his administration has adopted a more collaborative approach to allies and partners, but the corollary is that the US expects more of them too

US President Joe Biden’s more consultative approach towards partners and allies is welcome. But while he will certainly be far more polite than Mr Donald Trump, he is transactional in his own way, says the writer. PHOTO: AFP

What can we conclude about US President Joe Biden's foreign policy as he marks his first 100 days in office this week? To state my conclusion upfront: Like all recent presidents, structural factors will constrain the extent to which he can change policies.

Like his two immediate predecessors, Mr Biden's primary priorities are domestic. The immediate imperatives are the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.

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