Dr. Arend: Foreign Policy in the Biden Administration

This past Thursday, the Poly community had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Anthony Arend speak on what to expect from Biden's foreign policy changes/approaches. Dr. Arend is a Professor of Government and Foreign Service at Georgetown University, recently becoming the Chair of the Department of Government. Between having and M.A. in Foreign Affairs, publishing several books on related topics, and ultimately being a Professor, Dr. Arend's path gives him a particularly informed perspective on the future of the United States Foreign Policy.

Dr. Arend touched upon a variety of topics during his presentation, the first of which discussed Trump's Legacy. Trump has operated under an America First rule. This means that he has pulled out of several multilateral institutions such as WHO and the Paris Climate agreement as well as shifting economics from NAFTA to US-Mexico-Canada Trade Deal. Dr. Arend also detailed that Trump has blamed China for the Coronavirus, and aggressively attacked Iranian leader.

Dr. Arend highlighted that Biden will therefore be inheriting a relatively isolated United States. He started talking about the future by talking about the specific members of the Foreign Policy team. From Antony Blinken to Linda Thomas Greenfield, to Alejandro Mayorkas, Dr. Arend emphasized that Biden's Foreign Policy Team marks a shift towards experience an professionalism.

Finally, Dr. Arend pointed out that he believes Biden's team will aim to rebuild the Foreign Policy establishment and try to make the United States more connected to the world at large. Between rejoining many of the severed deals or connections, rebuilding relations with allies, becoming more active in the UN, Dr. Arend's take on Biden's Foreign Policy Team seems hopeful and prepared to say the least.

Watching Dr. Arend speak about issues surrounding today's foreign policy in the US is very relieving, and inspires confidence. During such a chaotic time, it is refreshing to hear an expert speak about something that interests him. Moreover, Dr. Arend's message speaks to such a positive shift in the political tides of our nation, and nations around the world, as it suggests that the US will reassume its role as leader in the fight for a safer, fairer, and cleaner planet.