An Interview With Anne-Marie Slaughter | A “President Biden's” US Foreign Policy | GZERO World

Summary

In this interview, Anne-Marie Slaughter discusses the potential foreign policy priorities of a Biden administration, emphasizing a renewed commitment to global alliances and institutions. She highlights the necessity of domestic renewal to strengthen America's global role and anticipates a tough stance on China while seeking cooperation on global issues. Slaughter also suggests a reevaluation of American exceptionalism, advocating for the U.S. to lead by example through domestic values and equity.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Anne-Marie Slaughter anticipates that a Biden administration will prioritize signaling a return to global leadership, emphasizing alliances and multilateralism.
• 🏠 Domestic renewal is seen as crucial for the U.S. to effectively engage internationally, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, innovation, and education.
• 🛡️ The Biden administration is expected to update deterrence strategies, particularly to address modern warfare and to deter potential threats from China and Russia.
• 🗳️ There will be a renewed emphasis on democracy and the 'free world,' viewing it as a vital component of future global relations.
• 🔄 Slaughter notes a convergence between the Trump and Biden administrations on the stance towards China, with a shift from the previous approach of integrating China into the liberal order.
• 🔗 The Biden team is likely to be more nuanced in its approach to China, seeking cooperation in areas like global health and climate change while maintaining a tough stance on issues like trade and technology.
• 🌍 A rejoining of the WHO and participation in the COVAX initiative are expected under Biden, reflecting a more engaged and cooperative approach to global health.
• 🏹 On the Middle East, a Biden administration may continue the trend of reducing U.S. military presence, focusing more on diplomacy and regional dynamics.
• 🕊️ Anne-Marie suggests that the U.S. should redefine its role, moving away from the concept of American exceptionalism towards a focus on living up to its values and addressing domestic challenges.
• 🌱 The transition to a plurality nation and addressing inequality are identified as key to improving the U.S.'s global image and effectiveness in foreign policy.

Q & A

What is Anne-Marie Slaughter's view on the top priority of a Biden administration's foreign policy?

Anne-Marie Slaughter believes that the top priority would be to announce to the world that the United States is back, ready to lead in alliances, multilateral institutions, and global problem-solving.

How does Slaughter think the Biden administration will approach domestic renewal in relation to foreign policy?

Slaughter suggests that the Biden administration will see domestic renewal as essential for the U.S. to play its role in the world, focusing on areas like infrastructure, technology, innovation, and education.

What changes does Slaughter anticipate in U.S. defense strategy under a Biden administration?

Slaughter expects an update in deterrence strategies, moving from traditional missile defense to addressing modern warfare, with an emphasis on deterring threats from China and Russia.

How does Slaughter view the Biden administration's stance on democracy and the 'free world'?

She believes there will be a renewed emphasis on democracy, with Biden viewing the 'free world' as a concept for the future rather than just a relic of the 20th century.

What is Slaughter's response to concerns about U.S. retrenchment during the Obama administration?

Slaughter acknowledges a period of relative U.S. retrenchment, especially in terms of not taking on a global policeman role, which began with the Obama administration's more multilateral and domestically focused approach.

How does Slaughter differentiate the Biden administration's approach to isolationism and international engagement?

Slaughter suggests that the Biden administration will redefine isolationism by arguing for a critical U.S. role in global affairs but also emphasizing the need for burden-sharing with allies.

What similarities and differences does Slaughter see between the Biden and Trump administrations' approaches to China?

Slaughter notes a convergence in recognizing China as a significant power that needs to be managed, with both administrations taking a tougher stance than in the past. However, she anticipates the Biden administration will be more nuanced and open to cooperation in areas like global health and climate change.

How does Slaughter expect the Biden administration to handle the issue of global health, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Slaughter expects a radical departure from Trump's policies, with the Biden administration rejoining the WHO and joining the COVAX initiative to actively participate in global health efforts.

What is Slaughter's outlook on the Biden administration's Middle East policy, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Slaughter anticipates a continued pullback from unconditional support of Israel and a renewed emphasis on Palestinian rights, although she does not see this as a major initial priority.

How does Slaughter view the concept of American exceptionalism in the context of the Biden administration's foreign policy?

Slaughter believes that the traditional concept of American exceptionalism has outlived its usefulness and should evolve to focus on living up to U.S. values at home, particularly in terms of transitioning to a pluralistic nation and addressing inequality.