Hyderabad: Former US President Donald Trump had ignited several controversies with his 'unilateral' ways. Moving away from this path, the incumbent President Joe Biden said in his inaugural address, “We will strengthen our alliances and engage with the world once again, not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s."
Even before declaring the national security strategy, Biden pronounced his vision which would serve as a guideline for all the departments of the United States of America. Instead of falling back on emotional slogans, such as “America First”, as Trump did, Biden’s vision is founded on the primary understanding that economic security is national security.
A new trend is evident in the way the US has resolved to first implement its pronounced values before speaking of their protection elsewhere. The US has also decided to put diplomacy first, while at the same time, striving to modernize its military. A new trend is also evident in the US decision to reinvigorate partnerships with traditional allies and regain its position in international forums.
From the manner of dealing with North Korea to the way of handling Covid-19, withdrawing from the multilateral agreement with Iran to opting out of the Paris accord, Trump followed one-sided ways. He also created a social chasm in his own country with his racist politics. With his emphasis that democracy is crucial for freedom, peace, prosperity and individual respect, Biden is following a path of elderly maturity rather than big brotherly ways.
Also read: Biden lifts Trump sanctions on international court officials
Biden said, “China, in particular, has rapidly become more assertive. It is the only competitor potentially capable of combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to mount a sustained challenge to a stable and open international system/"
The official Chinese magazine 'Global Times' has welcomed Biden’s stand under which he chose not to rule out working with China while at the same time speaking of a strategic conflict with Beijing.
China has been working to occupy the space acceded by the US on the international firmament. However, the US still enjoys the Super Power status by virtue of its military and economic strength.
In Biden’s estimation, except for the US, no other country can solve by itself problems such as a pandemic, climatic crisis, cyber-attacks and terrorism among others. By rejoining the Paris Accord and the WHO, Biden has sent out positive vibes. He is also asserting that the century’s challenges can be met by renewing and reinvigorating international forums for cooperation by joining hands with friendly and partner countries. Biden is of the view that countries like China, too, can be made accountable if the comity of democratic nations came together and formulated a strong international code. He has also voiced his resolve to strengthen ties with India.
In 2006, Biden had announced his vision for the future of US-India relations. “My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the World will be India and the United States,” he had said. Biden had further stated that without the working together of the two countries, none of the international challenges can be resolved.
Also read: Removal of US troops from Afghanistan will be orderly: Biden administration
In his administration, Biden has given 50 crucial positions, including that of the Vice-President, to persons of Indian origin. He still has much more to do to further strengthen the relationship with India. Instead of limiting strategic partnership with India to the efforts to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region, Biden should take initiative towards crucial technology transfer to India.
The success of Biden’s vision will be judged by the extent to which it will instil confidence that partnership with the Super Power will be in the best interest of all.
