Biden Administration: Multilateralism and Stability

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is proceeding with preparations for his administration. He announced high-ranking officials who will be in charge of diplomacy and security, such as the secretary of state.

He has chosen a Latino immigrant as secretary of homeland security, a woman as director of national intelligence, and a Black woman as ambassador to the U.N., creating a force that values diversity.

By first announcing the officials involved in immigration policy and international affairs, Biden may be advertising a reversal of the “America First” politics promoted by Donald Trump.

It is noteworthy that Biden has created a new office, U.S. special presidential envoy for climate, and appointed former Secretary of State John Kerry, a prominent Democrat with high name recognition.

Kerry’s accomplishments in Barack Obama’s administration included exerting efforts to conclude the Paris climate agreement on global warming and spearheading the Iran nuclear agreement with Europe, China and Russia.

The Trump administration abandoned these multilateral agreements and pushed ahead with unilateralism, throwing the international community into turmoil and destabilizing global order.

Kerry will reverse course, try to rebuild a world order founded on free trade and democracy, and assume the burden of guiding multilateral diplomacy.

It is encouraging for Japan that Biden is saying “America is strongest when it works with its allies.”

However, we must ascertain what practical role Biden will try to play in global society.

Former Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was nominated to be secretary of state, is known for being an Asia hand who was deeply involved in drafting the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia” strategy.

Yet in the past four years, China’s ascent has accelerated and Russia has made its presence more felt. Problems like the pandemic, world economic inequality and the stockpiling of nuclear arms have also ballooned.

It is said that the next administration will stare down China and promote the concept of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” But it is unclear to what extent it will take the lead.

Blinken speaks of a new alliance framework that will link allies in Europe with Asia. The allies’ burden will likely further increase. Japan may not be able to construct a functional alliance if it depends only on America.

Trump has formally approved the transition process, but he is rushing through controversial policies like reducing American troops stationed in Afghanistan, inviting pushback from Congress.

Trump must not place obstacles in front of the next administration’s efforts at diplomacy. He should restrain himself so that the administrative transition can proceed smoothly.