America’s Back

“America’s Back.” On February 17, with those two words, the new US president repudiated the go-it-alone policies of his predecessor that had led to bitter disagreements, escalating trade wars, and rejection of the alliances that have benefited America and its allies since the end of the Second World War

But a slogan is not a policy. Let’s look at what’s back and what isn’t.

Acknowledging the strains and shit storms have characterized America’s

relationships with Europe over the last four years, President Biden assured European leaders that “The US is determined to reengage with Europe. To consult with you. To earn back our position of trusted leadership.”

As a former Foreign Service Officer I was delighted to hear Biden reaffirm that America lives in a multipolar world where huge global problems like pandemics and climate change can’t be solved without collaboration and cooperation. Where trust and honest dealing are critical. Where approaches to opponents must be tough but clear-eyed and open to opportunities for improvement.

The Europeans, of course, welcomed Biden’s remarks as well, but not without some skepticism that even Joe Biden, a seasoned professional and their friend for decades, could deliver on what he’d just said.

Still, they had to have been pleased with what he’s done in just a few short weeks.

Biden signed America back on to the Paris climate accords on his first day in office. And he put America’s money where his…