As President Biden's term nears its end, the future of U.S. foreign policy is primed to continue its decline. Donald Trump's return to the White House and the looming prospect of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State indicate prospects for peace, diplomacy, and human rights are at an even greater risk. With Rubio as the role of top diplomat, we are likely to see the continuation of a foreign policy rooted in violence, imperialism, and a disregard for international law. Rubio's approach to foreign relations will be nothing short of a reckless pursuit of U.S. interests at the expense of human lives and the stability of entire regions.
In regions like Latin America and the Middle East, U.S. interference has long been a source of suffering - this did not change under the Biden administration. U.S.-backed coups, sanctions, and military interventions have devastated communities and impoverished families and led to countless deaths. The consequences of these policies are not abstract—they are felt daily by ordinary people struggling to survive in the wake of U.S. military actions and economic blockades. These policies directly impact countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Palestine, where U.S. interventions have perpetuated cycles of violence and suffering.
In Cuba, the U.S. has maintained a decades-long embargo, purposely stunting the tiny island nation's economic development and exacerbating the struggles of the Cuban people. The decision to label Cuba a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" under the Trump administration deepened this suffering - a policy Biden continued. Similarly, in Palestine, the U.S. has long been complicit in the Israeli government's ongoing occupation and human rights violations. U.S. military aid to Israel has been used to perpetuate an unjust system of apartheid, resulting in the deaths of innocent Palestinians and the destruction of entire communities. This policy has led to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and a series of war crimes directly supported by the United States.
These policies are not just humanitarian disasters; they represent a broader pattern of U.S. imperialism that disregards international law and the well-being of civilian populations. The impacts of U.S. foreign policy extend far beyond the borders of these nations, creating instability, fueling migration crises, and contributing to global resentment toward American actions on the world stage. The cycle of violence, instability, and suffering must end-bold action is needed to break this cycle, and President Biden still has a window to act before his term concludes.
Here are five key actions President Biden should take immediately to mitigate the damage done by U.S. foreign policy and lay the groundwork for a more peaceful, just, and accountable future:
Remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list and lift the crushing sanctions that have economically crippled the island nation and imposed immense hardship on its people. These unjust sanctions have instead created unnecessary suffering for millions of innocent civilians. Lifting the sanctions would not only ease the suffering of the Cuban people but also signal a move toward a more cooperative, peaceful relationship with the island.
Enforce the Leahy Law to ensure U.S. arms do not reach Israel for use in committing human rights violations. The United States must take immediate steps to halt military aid to Israel, which has been used to uphold an apartheid system and commit atrocities against Palestinians. In addition, the Biden administration should push for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the millions of Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip, where conditions are dire and the need for international intervention is urgent.
Re-engage in diplomacy with Iran and lift sanctions that are escalating tensions in the region. The U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal has not only worsened relations with Iran but has also increased the risk of further conflict in the Middle East. Lifting sanctions and re-entering negotiations would be a positive step toward de-escalation and peace, reducing the likelihood of a broader regional conflict.
Increase diplomacy with China, especially in the realm of climate change cooperation. The U.S. and China are two of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, and only through international cooperation can we hope to mitigate the effects of climate change. Fostering a productive, peaceful relationship with China could serve as a model for international diplomacy, ensuring that the fight against climate change remains a global priority while avoiding unnecessary military confrontations.
End weapons shipments to Ukraine and pivot toward a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war. The U.S. must push for peace talks and an end to the bloodshed, as the war has already resulted in massive loss of life and the destabilization of the region. By halting the flow of weapons and encouraging diplomatic efforts, President Biden can help end the conflict and ensure that the people of Ukraine have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in peace.
President Biden has a unique opportunity in these final months of his presidency to shift U.S. foreign policy toward a path of diplomacy, peace, and accountability. His actions—or lack thereof—will define his legacy. If he continues to turn a blind eye to the suffering caused by U.S. interventions, he will be remembered as a critical enabler of war and imperialism. He could use his last days to adjust course by delivering on actions that could help end the cycles of violence and injustice perpetuated by U.S. foreign policy. In that case, he can leave office, having somewhat contributed to peace and international cooperation.
The choice is clear: Biden can either pave the way for a more peaceful world or cement his place in history as the "war-monger in chief" with a continuation of the failed policies of the past. The time for him to act was yesterday, the second best time is now.
