Sunset Diplomacy: Biden’s Final Act on the World Stage
As a seasoned news reporter, I’ve witnessed countless political transitions. But President Joe Biden’s current European tour feels different—part farewell, part reassurance to nervous allies. With the US election just weeks away, global leaders are on edge.
Biden touched down in Berlin yesterday, greeted by a city that’s seen its fair share of history. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the President warmly, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in the air.
Scholz expressed to reporters that we are at a critical juncture. “The US-German partnership has never been more crucial.”
The president’s itinerary is packed. He’ll meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and announce a new exchange program. But the real action happens behind closed doors in what officials are calling the “European Quad”—a summit with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany.
Ukraine tops the agenda. As the war continues, allies disagree on how to back President Zelensky’s ambitious “Victory Plan.” Some push for more powerful weapons, while others urge caution.
The Middle East crisis also looms large. Israel’s recent retaliation against Iran has allies scrambling to prevent further escalation.
Biden’s trademark “minilateralism” is on full display. This approach favors small groups of like-minded nations over big global institutions. Support for sanctions and tech restrictions on Russia and China has grown as a result. But critics say it hasn’t stopped undesirable actors from teaming up.
“The US response to increased cooperation among Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran falls short,” says Fred Kempe of the Atlantic Council.
For Biden, this trip is bittersweet. Germany is one of the few places where he still enjoys broad support. A recent poll showed 63% of Germans have confidence in him. That’s a sharp contrast to falling approval ratings elsewhere, especially after his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The elephant in every room is, of course, the upcoming US election. The victory of Biden in 2020 brought relief to many world leaders. Now, they’re worried about what comes next.
“America is back,” Biden famously declared at his first G7 summit. A fellow leader reportedly quipped, “But for how long?”
That question hangs over every meeting, every handshake on this trip. The allies struggle to strike a balance between advocating for more aggressive measures in Ukraine and preparing for a potential shift in US leadership.
As Biden wraps up his European tour, he’ll head to Washington for a somber occasion—the memorial service for Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy. It’s a reminder of another era of American leadership and the deep ties that bind these transatlantic allies.
Former Presidents Obama and Clinton will join Biden in honoring Mrs. Kennedy’s legacy of social activism and resilience in the face of tragedy. For Biden, it’s deeply personal. He credits the Kennedy family with helping him through the darkest period of his life after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident.
“We’re a better nation and a better world because of Ethel Kennedy,” Biden said in a moving eulogy.
As the President navigates this complex mix of diplomacy and remembrance, the clock ticks down to November. World leaders watch anxiously, wondering if this is truly Biden’s farewell tour or simply a prelude to four more years.
One thing is clear: in a world full of uncertainty, America’s global role remains as vital as ever. The question is, who will be shaping that role come January?