Speaking at the UN, the President eulogised his own record – but leaves behind a global crisis.
The whole world waited to see whether Joe Biden would stumble. He was walking to the podium at the UN General Assembly floor to deliver what could be his last foreign policy speech as president. Days before, Biden had an awkward moment when he got mildly confused on stage with President Modi. Incidents like these meant his audience at the UN was perhaps listening for the slip-up, not to what he said – the problem which the Democrats belatedly realised doomed his candidacy.
Biden admitted that this was the “last time” he would address the room. His tone was avuncular. He shied away from the Manichean rhetoric about a fight between democracy and autocracy which has long animated his speeches. Instead, this address seemed to have been written in order to serve as a eulogy for his career in foreign policy. He began recounting his election as a senator in 1972, moving onto his opposition to apartheid, the September 11 attacks, and bringing “justice” to Osama Bin Laden. The former chair of the Senate foreign relations committee has always taken pride in his acumen abroad. And he noted with pride that as president, he enacted his long-held belief that America should leave Afghanistan. “Painful as it was,” he admitted.
Yet, for all the triumphs Biden recalled, the speech was overshadowed by the global crises he was leaving behind. From the war in Ukraine to rising tensions with China and the threat of terrorism, the world is far from stable. Biden, who once promised to restore America’s leadership in global affairs, has struggled to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The speech, which felt like a reflection on his accomplishments, also highlighted the challenges that remain unresolved.
Biden’s legacy, especially in foreign policy, is marked by a delicate balance between the promotion of democratic values and the harsh realities of power politics. His administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and its response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. As Biden stepped away from the UN podium, it was clear that while he had made strides in some areas, his presidency will also be remembered for the crises that persist under his watch.
The world now faces an uncertain future, and Biden’s departure from the global stage only intensifies the sense of instability. As he closes the chapter on his presidency, the question remains whether his successor will be able to repair the global order or further exacerbate the divisions that have taken root during his time in office.
For now, Biden’s farewell at the UN serves as a reminder of the complexities of international relations and the enduring challenges that lie ahead for the United States and the world. His foreign policy legacy is one of both achievements and shortcomings, but it is clear that the crises he leaves behind will continue to define the global landscape for years to come.