Biden Engages in Key Foreign Policy Talks Amid Global Concerns Over US Election Outcomes

President Joe Biden is embarking on a series of diplomatic engagements, focusing on international allies concerned about the future of US foreign policy. As he prepares for discussions with global leaders, attention is shifting towards former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who present contrasting foreign policy visions. Biden's diplomatic efforts include meetings in Delaware, the White House, and at the United Nations.

Biden's diplomatic activities commence with hosting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Wilmington, Delaware. Following this, he will engage in one-on-one discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. These meetings are part of the Indo-Pacific group known as the Quad. The leaders will convene for a joint session and attend a dinner at Biden's former high school.

Focus on Foreign Policy

Biden will welcome UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the White House before attending the UN General Assembly. The assembly's agenda is expected to focus on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, which will be central to Biden's address. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Biden in Washington and hold additional meetings on the UN sidelines.

Meanwhile, world leaders are increasingly seeking meetings with Harris and Trump to understand future US foreign policy directions. Trump announced plans to meet Modi during his US visit for the UN gathering and Quad summit. At a campaign rally, Trump praised Modi but criticised India's trade practices with the US.

Trump also indicated a potential meeting with Zelenskyy next week. Their last interaction was a phone call in July, following their 2019 UN General Assembly meeting. That meeting occurred after a controversial call where Trump urged Zelenskyy to investigate Biden's actions in Ukraine, leading to Trump's first impeachment.

Challenges and Criticisms

The White House has not commented on whether it was informed about Modi's planned visit with Trump. Zelenskyy will also meet Harris separately from Biden's meeting. Harris last met Zelenskyy in Switzerland before Biden endorsed her candidacy after withdrawing from reelection.

Biden faces challenges managing foreign policy crises that could affect his legacy. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Israel-Hamas conflict have stalled, risking regional escalation as tensions rise on the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel's recent airstrikes near Beirut followed sabotage operations believed to be Israeli-led.

These developments raise questions about Biden's influence over Israel, which the White House disputes. Senior White House official Amos Hochstein recently cautioned Israeli officials against actions that could escalate tensions. Despite setbacks, Biden remains hopeful for a hostage deal, emphasising persistence in negotiations.

Ukraine is urging Biden to allow Western-provided long-range weapons for deeper strikes into Russia, a move Russian President Vladimir Putin warns could escalate conflict with Western nations. Harris is expected to maintain a similar foreign policy approach if elected president.

Harris vs Trump

Harris has positioned herself as an integral part of Biden's foreign policy team, addressing issues like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and strengthening Pacific ties. She has criticised Trump for his relationships with authoritarian leaders during his presidency.

In a recent debate, Harris accused Trump of being susceptible to manipulation by dictators like Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. She stated that these leaders support Trump's return due to their ability to influence him through flattery.

Trump has countered by questioning Harris's negotiation skills and criticising her stance on Israel and Afghanistan withdrawal. He claims she shares responsibility for what he describes as an "embarrassing" troop withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration.

Biden aims to add a personal touch to this weekend's summit by hosting leaders at his private residence and organising a dinner at his high school alma mater in Claymont, Delaware. The summit will also feature an announcement related to Biden's Cancer Moonshot Initiative, inspired by his late son Beau's battle with brain cancer.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the summit's intimate setting designed for relationship-building among leaders. "He wanted to have a private moment with them, to continue to grow those relationships," Jean-Pierre stated.