In today’s political climate, it’s clear that Democrats need a foreign policy that works—one that resonates with their voters and adapts to the evolving global landscape. As the world moves further away from the post-Cold War order and the U.S. grapples with its own domestic challenges, it’s time for the Democratic Party to rethink its international approach.
The Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
After Donald Trump’s first election, Democrats were quick to brand him as an anomaly in American foreign policy. Yet, as Joe Biden’s presidency progresses, it’s becoming apparent that the “old America”—one that championed a rules-based international order—is unlikely to return. The world, meanwhile, has shifted its expectations, and Democrats must respond to this new reality. The old United States is not coming back—and the world doesn’t expect it to.
How did we get here? The seeds of change were planted long before Trump. The invasion of Iraq, the war on terror, and the 2008 financial crisis began eroding trust in U.S. leadership. Washington’s policies—shaped by a mix of hubris, hypocrisy, and corporate influence—have undermined the very ideals the U.S. claimed to represent. Meanwhile, Russia, China, and other global powers have leveraged these cracks to challenge the West.
Biden’s Foreign Policy Struggles
When Biden took office, he spoke of “America is back”—a call to restore the U.S. as a global leader. But the world has changed, and his administration has struggled to meet the challenges that have arisen in its wake. Biden’s approach has been inconsistent, trying to balance the old rhetoric of U.S. leadership with the realities of a fractured global order.
- Autocratic alliances: Biden’s rhetoric about defending democracy often falters when it comes to pragmatic alliances with autocratic regimes like Saudi Arabia or India.
- Sanctions and alliances: While the U.S. has used sanctions extensively to push back against authoritarian regimes, these measures have only served to strengthen alternative blocs, such as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
- The Israeli issue: Biden’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military actions has drawn criticism, especially as it clashes with his party’s own values of human rights and international law. The lack of leverage or a clear strategy here exposes a larger problem in U.S. foreign policy.
The Rise of Populism: Trump’s Impact
Trump’s ascent marked a new era for American politics. His foreign policy was built on populist sentiments that resonated with many Americans fed up with endless wars, unchecked immigration, and a growing perception that the U.S. was being taken advantage of by foreign powers. Trump’s populist approach is not an anomaly—it is a reflection of wider trends.
- Anti-globalism: Trump’s rhetoric about America First had a powerful appeal. He railed against trade agreements, military alliances, and foreign entanglements that were seen to benefit elites at the expense of working-class Americans.
- National security: His attacks on the so-called “deep state” and calls for the U.S. to focus on its own citizens made foreign policy an issue of domestic discontent.
For Democrats, this shift presents a challenge: how to address these populist concerns while not falling into the trap of embracing the same isolationist policies that Trump promotes.
Democrats and the Crisis of Confidence
Many Americans feel that U.S. foreign policy no longer works for them. This has opened a window for Trump and other populist leaders to make significant gains. People are questioning the benefits of U.S. global leadership—especially when it seems to conflict with their domestic interests.
- Economic nationalism: Issues like trade imbalances, the decline of American manufacturing, and rising inequality are at the forefront of this shift. Trump’s message of bringing jobs back to the U.S. resonates with voters who feel left behind by globalization.
- Military intervention: The endless wars in the Middle East have made many voters sceptical of U.S. involvement abroad. There’s a growing belief that the U.S. should focus on domestic issues rather than getting entangled in foreign conflicts.
Democrats need to adapt to this changing sentiment by offering a foreign policy that aligns with the needs of their constituencies, without simply defending the status quo.
Rethinking Foreign Policy: A New Democratic Approach
The Democratic Party must evolve. Instead of clinging to outdated concepts of American primacy, Democrats should rethink the rules-based international order and consider new strategies that can lead to more meaningful change, both domestically and internationally.
1. A Foreign Policy for the People
Democrats should start by aligning their foreign policy more closely with the values and concerns of their voters. This means:
- Focusing on economic justice: Addressing the economic consequences of globalization by pursuing fairer trade policies and prioritizing workers.
- Reforming military spending: Shifting away from endless wars and focusing on diplomacy and development rather than military interventions.
- Promoting human rights: Moving beyond token gestures to address pressing global issues like resource exploitation, gender equality, and climate justice.
2. Collaborating on Global Issues
There are critical global challenges that require collective action. Democrats should advocate for multilateralism—working with global partners on issues like climate change, technology regulation, and nuclear disarmament.
- Climate Change: The U.S. should take a leadership role in combating climate change by rejoining international agreements and funding clean energy initiatives.
- Technology regulation: As technology advances, global cooperation on regulating AI, data privacy, and social media platforms is essential to ensure that they serve humanity’s best interests.
3. Building Stronger Partnerships
Rather than simply relying on old alliances like NATO, Democrats should seek to expand partnerships with developing countries to tackle issues like food security, migration, and transnational crime.
- Expanding international partnerships: Developing countries often face challenges that are interconnected with global policy—such as access to vaccines, fair trade, and migration issues.
- Global solidarity: Democrats should push for a foreign policy that is in line with democratic values while supporting social movements around the world.
4. Rebuilding Institutions
The institutions that shape U.S. foreign policy, from the U.N. to NATO, need to be reformed. The world is evolving, and so should the frameworks that manage international relations. Democrats should focus on rebuilding these structures to better reflect current global realities.
Moving Forward: A New Vision
Ultimately, Democrats need to embrace a foreign policy that can work for them—and win. This means confronting the populist critiques head-on, advocating for an international system that is responsive to global realities, and ensuring that U.S. foreign policy aligns with the best interests of both the American people and the world at large. Democrats must build a new foundation—one that isn’t weighed down by outdated practices or elite interests. By doing so, they can restore America’s leadership on the world stage while ensuring a more just and sustainable global future.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Populist Foreign Policy
- Global Economic Justice
- Reforming NATO
- Climate Change Action
- Technology Regulation
Photo credit: Foreign Policy
