American Foreign Policy/US-Pakistan Relations under Joe Biden

Introduction

Under President Joe Biden, U.S. foreign policy has taken a decisive shift from the isolationist tendencies of the previous administration, aiming to reinstate America’s position as a global leader and reassert diplomatic alliances. Biden’s approach, spearheaded alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, focuses on three main areas: supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, competing with China’s global influence, and maintaining unwavering support for Israel, particularly in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

1. Reversing Trump’s Isolationist Policies and Renewing Alliances

Biden’s administration took office in January 2021, prioritizing “reasserting the U.S. role in global diplomacy.” Biden immediately reversed several key Trump-era policies, marking a shift toward reengagement with international institutions. His administration rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, re-entered the World Health Organization (WHO), lifted visa restrictions on certain Muslim-majority countries, and halted construction of the border wall, among other actions aimed at restoring traditional alliances and multilateral cooperation. This shift underscored the Biden administration’s focus on collaborative approaches to issues like climate change, global health, and security, all of which had been sidelined under the previous administration’s “America First” doctrine.

These actions won praise from allies and international bodies, as Biden worked to repair strained relationships with Europe and NATO, ensuring that the U.S. regained its role as a reliable partner. However, his administration faced domestic criticism for rolling back policies without adequate replacements, particularly in immigration, where halting the border wall created logistical and humanitarian challenges on the southern U.S. border.

2. Strong Support for Ukraine Against Russia

A cornerstone of Biden’s foreign policy has been the robust support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The administration provided substantial military aid, amounting to $64.1 billion, including critical defence systems like the Patriot missiles, which represented one of the largest U.S. commitments to a foreign ally since World War II. Biden’s support for Ukraine has been bolstered by bipartisan backing in Congress, with significant advocacy from Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior officials. This support demonstrates a clear stance against Russian aggression, symbolizing a renewed U.S. commitment to European security.

The Biden administration also rallied European NATO allies to increase their contributions to Ukraine’s defense, including F-16 fighter jets, while cautioning against using U.S.-made weapons for direct attacks on Russian soil to avoid escalation. This cautious yet committed approach reflects Biden’s attempt to support Ukraine’s sovereignty while maintaining a balanced response to avoid further global conflict. Nevertheless, critics argue that the vast sums spent on Ukraine could have been allocated to domestic priorities. Additionally, some contend that this support risks dragging the U.S. into a prolonged conflict without a clear endpoint.

3. Response to the Gaza Conflict and Support for Israel

The conflict in Gaza following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, represents one of the most controversial aspects of Biden’s foreign policy. Initially, the administration supported Israel’s defence against threats from Iran and endorsed a two-state solution. However, after the Hamas attack, Biden shifted to unequivocal support for Israel, affirming it during a visit to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 18, 2023. He subsequently requested an additional $17.9 billion in military aid for Israel.

While this approach underscores the U.S. commitment to Israel as a key ally, it has generated significant criticism both domestically and internationally. The administration has faced scrutiny for insufficient humanitarian advocacy for Palestinians and for vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Human rights advocates and some U.S. lawmakers have condemned the administration for failing to address the humanitarian crisis, and the policy has contributed to strained relations with allies in the Arab world. Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict illustrates the administration’s struggle to balance strategic alliances with a humanitarian approach in the Middle East.

4. Competing with China in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond

The Biden administration has also taken a strong stance on China, aiming to counter its influence, particularly in technology and security within the Indo-Pacific. Biden’s approach includes a combination of economic sanctions, military support for regional allies, and multilateral partnerships. He imposed sanctions on 59 Chinese firms linked to Beijing’s military sector, aiming to curb China’s technological advancements in fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This stance reflects the Biden administration’s intention to limit China’s dominance in critical sectors and enhance U.S. competitiveness.

The administration also reinvigorated alliances in the Indo-Pacific, notably through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with India, Japan, and Australia, which has seen a heightened frequency of engagements under Biden. In addition, the U.S. approved $850 million in arms sales to Taiwan, underscoring its commitment to Taiwan’s security amid rising Chinese aggression. However, critics argue that Biden’s competitive stance with China could inadvertently escalate tensions, potentially leading to a Cold War-style rivalry. Furthermore, while economic sanctions and military support are tools to counterbalance China’s power, Biden’s strategy is criticized for insufficient emphasis on diplomatic engagement, potentially overlooking opportunities for cooperation on global issues like climate change.

Achievements Biden’s Foreign Policy

The Biden administration’s foreign policy has restored the U.S. image on the global stage, with significant achievements in rallying NATO allies and strengthening the Quad alliance to counter China’s influence. The administration’s robust support for Ukraine has also strengthened the U.S. commitment to European security, reinvigorating NATO and highlighting America’s role as a democratic leader. Furthermore, Biden’s swift action in rejoining international organizations has reaffirmed U.S. support for multilateral solutions to global problems, helping the U.S. regain credibility as a cooperative global actor.

Critiques:

Conversely, Biden’s foreign policy faces critiques on several fronts. The administration’s unwavering support for Israel, despite humanitarian concerns in Gaza, has led to accusations of bias and insensitivity to civilian suffering, potentially undermining the U.S. role as a mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Additionally, the competitive approach toward China risks escalating tensions without addressing collaborative opportunities, while extensive support for Ukraine has led some to question whether the administration is sufficiently focused on domestic issues. Furthermore, while Biden’s early actions to reverse Trump-era policies were largely well-received, some of these reversals — such as halting the border wall — have presented new challenges, reflecting a lack of comprehensive planning for immigration and border security.

Conclusion

President Joe Biden’s foreign policy is marked by a blend of traditional U.S. diplomacy and assertive responses to modern global challenges. By prioritizing support for Ukraine, challenging China’s influence, and maintaining a strong alliance with Israel, Biden has sought to reassert American global leadership while navigating complex international landscapes. Yet, the administration’s approach reveals both strengths and limitations: while it has restored key alliances and bolstered U.S. influence, it also faces criticism for some policies’ domestic and humanitarian impacts. Ultimately, Biden’s foreign policy reflects the U.S. aim to remain a key player in global affairs, although the effectiveness of these strategies will be tested in the years to come.

Pakistan-USA Relations During Jo Biden’s Presidency

During the Biden administration, Pakistan-U.S. relations have navigated complex dynamics shaped by regional challenges, geopolitical shifts, and evolving interests. The relationship has been defined by shared interests in areas such as security, counterterrorism, and economic development, though challenges related to Afghanistan, counterterrorism policy, and strategic partnerships have occasionally strained ties.

During President Joe Biden’s tenure, U.S.-Pakistan relations witnessed two distinct phases. Initially, relations were strained, stemming from U.S. dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s limited assistance during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. American officials were disappointed, expecting Pakistan to exert more influence to stabilize the region as the Taliban took control.

Additionally, the Biden administration was fostering a closer relationship with India, seeing it as a critical ally in countering China’s growing influence in Asia, which left Pakistan feeling marginalized. These factors, coupled with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s criticism of U.S. foreign policy and his failure to secure a direct conversation with Biden, created a frosty diplomatic environment.

However, relations improved significantly following Khan’s ouster in April 2022 and the rise of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Two major developments contributed to this positive shift. First, the Biden administration’s strategic realignment in the Middle East necessitated Pakistan’s cooperation, especially concerning U.S. interests in managing tensions with Iran.

Second, the appointment of a new government in Pakistan, more open to engaging diplomatically with the U.S., facilitated smoother cooperation on economic and regional security issues. This shift marked a new chapter, where U.S.-Pakistan relations took a more pragmatic, cooperative tone despite underlying complexities.

1. Afghanistan and Counterterrorism Cooperation

• U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Biden’s 2021 decision to end America’s longest war and withdraw troops from Afghanistan marked a turning point. Pakistan was a key player during the transition, assisting with the logistics of the withdrawal and helping facilitate dialogue between the Taliban and the U.S.
• Concerns over Taliban Rule: The swift takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban raised U.S. concerns about Afghanistan becoming a haven for terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS-K. The U.S. has pressured Pakistan to manage the flow of militants and prevent terrorist networks from using Afghan soil for attacks.
• Drone Strike on Al-Qaeda Leader: The 2022 U.S. drone strike in Kabul that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was a reminder of the enduring U.S. focus on counterterrorism. The strike raised questions about Pakistan’s airspace use by the U.S., though both sides downplayed tensions over it.

2. Evolving Strategic Partnerships

• Pakistan’s Relationship with China: Pakistan’s deepening ties with China, particularly in economic and military spheres, have made the U.S.-Pakistan relationship more complex. Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy and focus on countering China’s influence have sometimes been at odds with Pakistan’s strategic alignment with China, especially through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• India-U.S. Partnership: The U.S. continues to see India as a critical ally in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening strategic and defence ties. This growing U.S.-India partnership has been a source of concern for Pakistan, which fears it could exacerbate regional instability and fuel an arms race.

3. Security Assistance and Defence Ties

• Suspension of Security Assistance: Security assistance to Pakistan, initially suspended under the Trump administration, has not been fully restored under Biden. The U.S. has been cautious, focusing instead on limited counterterrorism collaboration and operational cooperation.
• F-16 Support Package: In 2022, the U.S. approved a $450 million F-16 sustainment package for Pakistan, which signalled a willingness to maintain defence ties. The package was intended to support Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations but drew criticism from India and underscored the balancing act in U.S. policy towards South Asia.

4. Economic Engagement and Development Cooperation

• Limited Trade and Investment: Economic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan remain modest. Pakistan has sought more market access, particularly in textiles, but progress has been limited. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains one of Pakistan’s largest export markets and a major source of remittances.
• Economic Assistance: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continues to provide support for projects in education, health, and economic development in Pakistan, particularly focusing on areas such as renewable energy, women’s empowerment, and pandemic response.

5. Climate Change Cooperation

• Shared Climate Goals: The Biden administration’s climate policy aligns with Pakistan’s own efforts to address climate change, given its vulnerability to extreme weather events. In 2022, after Pakistan suffered devastating floods, the U.S. pledged humanitarian assistance and coordinated relief efforts, strengthening ties through climate diplomacy.
• Global Climate Finance: Pakistan has advocated for increased climate finance for vulnerable countries, and the U.S. has shown some support. Pakistan is also a partner in the U.S.-led Global Methane Pledge and has engaged in international forums advocating climate resilience.

6. Human Rights and Governance

• Concerns over Press Freedom and Governance: The Biden administration has expressed occasional concerns about human rights issues in Pakistan, particularly regarding press freedom and treatment of political dissent. This focus aligns with the administration’s broader stance on democratic values and governance.
• Bilateral Engagements on Human Rights: Pakistan has pushed back on what it sees as interference in its internal matters but remains open to dialogue on governance and human rights issues as part of broader diplomatic engagements.

7. Challenges and Diplomatic Strains

• Internal Political Tensions: Domestic political upheaval in Pakistan, including the recent change in leadership and the controversial ouster of Imran Khan, has occasionally complicated U.S.-Pakistan relations. Khan accused the U.S. of meddling in Pakistan’s politics, a claim the U.S. denied, though the incident strained trust.
• Divergent Strategic Interests: While the U.S. views Pakistan as a critical partner in counterterrorism, divergent priorities, especially concerning China and India, have led to a more cautious and transactional relationship rather than a strategic partnership.

8. Future Outlook

• Potential for Strategic Recalibration: Both countries may find room to recalibrate their relationship as Pakistan navigates its role in the region amidst shifting alliances. Given the strategic importance of Pakistan in South Asia, particularly regarding security and stability, the U.S. may seek to maintain pragmatic ties.
• Increased Climate and Health Diplomacy: The areas of climate change, health, and educational cooperation could provide a foundation for deeper collaboration beyond traditional security concerns.
• Balancing Relations with China and India: The U.S. will likely continue to engage with Pakistan while balancing its strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region, possibly expanding cooperation in non-security domains where mutual interests align.

Conclusion

The Biden administration’s approach to Pakistan has been cautious and pragmatic, prioritizing key issues like counterterrorism and regional stability without establishing a robust strategic partnership. While there have been successes, such as climate cooperation and selective defence engagement, the relationship remains challenged by larger regional dynamics and Pakistan’s complex alliances. Going forward, mutual interests in stability, economic development, and climate resilience may provide avenues for a balanced and constructive relationship.