The world’s response to the conflict between Russia and the West has been lukewarm, with most countries finding fault on both sides. President Biden’s framing of the conflict as a battle between democracy and autocracy has not helped, as it suggests a never-ending struggle. Few nations besides U.S. allies have imposed sanctions on Russia, making isolating China in the event of an attack on Taiwan a difficult task. Surprisingly, perceptions of Russia and China have actually improved in regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The Gaza conflict further strained America’s reputation, as President Biden pledged support for Israel’s military campaign without insisting on protecting civilians. Biden’s lack of leadership in this conflict has caused the U.S. to appear weak and oppressive simultaneously, with potentially damaging consequences for its security and reputation. In the past, the U.S. had mediated between Israelis and Palestinians, prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and encouraged diplomacy in the Middle East, but the current administration seems focused on building an anti-Iran bloc instead.
President Biden’s closeness to U.S. partners has led to a lack of neutrality in conflicts, such as deferring to Ukraine’s maximalist war aims and fast-tracking aid to Israel without questioning its strategies. Biden has also made strong commitments to defend Taiwan, exceeding previous U.S. commitments and risking entanglement in regional conflicts. This approach reflects a broader trend in American foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, where global leadership was equated with military dominance. The expansion of NATO and other military actions have contributed to a perception of U.S. militarism rather than constructive diplomacy.
The United States’ approach to international conflicts under President Biden has not been well-received, with many countries critical of both Russian aggression and the West’s response. Biden’s emphasis on the democracy versus autocracy narrative has not helped to build international support for U.S. actions, with few nations besides allies imposing sanctions on Russia. The Gaza conflict highlighted America’s wavering stance on human rights and international conflicts, with Biden pledging support for Israel’s military campaign without sufficient consideration for civilian safety.
The Biden administration’s focus on building an anti-Iran bloc and deepening U.S. involvement in conflicts such as the dispute between Israel and Palestine may further strain America’s reputation on the global stage. Biden’s tendency to overidentify with U.S. partners and make strong commitments to defend countries like Taiwan risks entanglement in regional conflicts and undermines efforts to pursue diplomatic solutions. The U.S. must reconsider its approach to global leadership, moving away from military dominance towards a more constructive and neutral role in resolving international conflicts.
