By Nicholas Hayen & Michael T. Franken
Since the end of the Second World War, America positioned itself as the leader in international affairs. America stood as the indispensable nation that held a special power to influence global events. The responsible use of American power and leadership abroad was fundamental to global stability. Over the past four years, it has become painfully clear that President Trump has a convoluted understanding of the responsible use of American power. With decades of public experience in promoting American leadership in both the Senate and vice presidency, Joe Biden understands and appreciates this responsibility.
Why is American global leadership important? When America retreats, Americans lose the ability to persuade, to cajole, to be relevant. Consequently, as Europe fractures under Brexit, growing right-wing political divisions, America watches. As Russia interferes in democratic elections and China closes off Asia to American businesses, we complain to no one.
Here at home, the success of our local communities has always been tied to the success of the nation at large and the world in general. The Twin Cities’ major corporations depend upon the continued success of American global leadership for that competitive edge in the global marketplace. Joe Biden’s foreign policy includes promises to defend our vital security, diplomatic, environmental, and business interests. As president, he will use America’s unique position to shape the future of global economics to benefit Americans quality of life and the well-being of future generations.
Joe Biden’s vice-presidential pick, Kamala Harris, said during this month’s debate, “You’ve got to be loyal to your friends.” The alliances that America forged, in blood, during the Second World War are the most important in our nation’s history. While President Trump denigrates the leaders of France, Germany, and Canada, Joe Biden knows that alliances are about shared interests as opposed to personal aggrandizement. Our allies are more likely to do business with us, share crucial intelligence, and share in rectifying disasters like the September 11th attacks. The Biden Administration will work to restore good faith with our allies and strengthen cooperation with potential allies in Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere. Together, these initiatives will deter adversaries such as China and Russia who seek to reduce America’s standing. Biden has the altruism and experience to restore good governance at home so that we are a more legitimate defender of our founding principles abroad.
Finally, we are at a unique moment where America can once again lead the world in solving the biggest problems of our lifetime. Currently, we are ridiculed, scorned, and worst of all pitied for our response to COVID-19. America has tremendous resources available to fight the virus at home and reduce its spread abroad. Joe Biden has experience fighting the Ebola virus in Africa, and his COVID-19 plans include mobilization of resources to suppress the virus abroad to keep it from continuing to reinfect us at home.
In the long-game, America will once again take the lead in the existential climate crisis. The Biden administration will create incentives for companies to adopt cleaner energy plans and renewable energy technologies. Joe Biden understands that the United States can generate millions of jobs by investing in these technologies and beating competitors like China to market. All of these problems are easier to solve when our global allies work with us. If we don’t step up and lead the way in solving them, then other nations will step in and solve them for us to their own benefit.
In short, a renewed commitment to responsible American leadership is sorely needed. Joe Biden’s foreign policy proposals understand the fundamental truth that American leadership abroad can help solve problems here at home. From national security to business development, the Biden administration will not simply return to the foreign policy we had before, it will rebuild our standing abroad to ensure that American foreign policy works for Minnesotans and America, once again.