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With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, President Joe Biden used a Monday speech at the State Department to outline his administration’s foreign policy achievements. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Biden emphasized the strengthened global alliances and diminished adversarial powers under his leadership.
“Today, I can report to the American people: Our alliances are stronger than they’ve been in decades,” Biden said. “NATO is more capable than ever, and many of our allies are now contributing their fair share.”
Biden reflected on his administration’s role in bolstering NATO and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Since Russia’s 2021 invasion, the U.S. has delivered over $183 billion in aid to Ukraine. Biden underscored that his policies preserved Ukraine’s independence and thwarted Vladimir Putin’s ambitions.
“When Putin launched his invasion, I had two jobs: rally the world to defend Ukraine and avoid war between nuclear powers,” Biden said. “We did both. Today, Ukraine remains free and independent.”
The president also addressed the strained relationship with Iran, claiming the country is in “desperate straits” due to international pressure. “Iran is weaker than it’s been in decades,” he stated, pointing to economic challenges and the weakened position of proxies like Hezbollah.
Biden acknowledged challenges his administration faced, such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Thirteen U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans died in the Kabul airport attack. Despite the backlash, Biden defended the decision as ending America’s longest war.
As Trump prepares to assume the presidency, Biden highlighted ongoing challenges in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. “The United States must remain vigilant. The work ahead is clear,” he said.
While Biden lauded his administration’s successes, some experts argue the U.S. faces a more precarious global position. “The U.S. is involved in significant conflicts and strained rivalries,” noted Stephen Wertheim of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Despite mixed reviews, Biden remained optimistic. “We’re leaving America stronger, with more friends and fewer adversaries,” he concluded.
