President Joe Biden has focused on deepening the relationship between the United States and Germany during his term in office, holding numerous calls and meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In return, Scholz has expended considerable political capital on Biden’s behalf, such as releasing a Russian murderer from a German prison to free three Americans from Russia. Scholz has also loosened defense policies to aid Ukraine in fighting Russia and defended Biden after a debate that threatened his political future.
As Biden faces the final months of his presidency, he will visit Berlin to further urgent foreign policy priorities and bid farewell to a president who valued alliances as a means of conflict resolution. During his visit, Biden will meet with German leaders and announce a new US-German exchange program to align private investment with emerging technologies. He will also participate in a “European Quad” meeting with the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany to discuss pressing global challenges.
In the midst of various geopolitical crises, Biden’s visit is not expected to result in concrete policy changes. The summit will focus on challenges in Ukraine, such as disagreements over addressing the “Victory Plan” and the Middle East crisis. Biden’s approach to international relations, characterized as “minilateralism,” involves forming smaller coalitions of like-minded nations to address global issues.
Despite critics arguing that this approach has not deterred adversaries, Biden’s popularity remains strong in countries like Germany, where 63% of respondents express confidence in him. However, his approval ratings have dropped in other regions due to his handling of Middle East volatility. As Biden embarks on his final months in office, the looming US election and President Trump’s influence continue to impact his interactions with foreign leaders.
Reflecting on the current geopolitical landscape, Biden’s farewell tour takes place amidst heightened tensions and uncertainty. Allies must navigate whether to support more aggressive tactics in ending the conflict in Ukraine as President Zelensky urges. The comparisons to Obama’s final foreign trip, where he warned against rising nationalism, tribalism, and conflicts rooted in division, highlight the challenges facing world leaders as they seek common ground in forging a peaceful future.
