Antony Blinken on American Foreign Policy in a Turbulent Age
The Foreign Affairs Interview
Deep Dive
Why has the geopolitical landscape changed so dramatically since Joe Biden took office?
The geopolitical landscape has changed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hamas's attack on Israel, and Chinese aggression in the Taiwan Strait, all of which have reshaped global conflicts and shifted focus to potential theaters of combat.
What role has Antony Blinken played in shaping U.S. foreign policy during these turbulent times?
Antony Blinken has been at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, engaging with allies and adversaries, negotiating, and helping to redefine American engagement with the world through strategic initiatives and alliances.
What are the key challenges the U.S. faces in the current geopolitical environment?
The U.S. faces challenges from revisionist powers like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, who seek to reshape the international system to their advantage, as well as the rapid pace of technological change and the perception of U.S. decline.
How has the U.S. responded to the perception of decline and restored its position of strength?
The U.S. has made historic investments in infrastructure, technology, and energy, restored alliances, and re-engaged with partners, which has restored American competitiveness and leadership globally.
What is the significance of foreign direct investment in U.S. foreign policy?
Foreign direct investment reflects trust and confidence in the U.S. economy and future, reduces dependencies on countries like China, and strengthens economic ties, which are crucial for maintaining global influence.
How has the U.S. managed the risk of escalation in its support for Ukraine?
The U.S. has provided Ukraine with necessary support while carefully balancing the risk of direct conflict with Russia, ensuring that NATO remains a strong deterrent against Russian aggression.
What is the U.S. strategy for dealing with the adversarial grouping of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea?
The U.S. aims to build bridges between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theaters, strengthen alliances, and de-risk from China, while exposing the alignment of these countries to weaken their partnerships.
What is the future outlook for Ukraine if the U.S. and its allies continue to support it?
Ukraine has a future as a strong, independent, and integrated Western nation, capable of defending itself militarily, economically, and democratically, with continued support from the U.S. and its allies.
How does the U.S. view the role of China in the global order?
The U.S. sees China as a competitor that seeks to reshape the international system, but it aims to compete responsibly, avoiding regime change, and finding ways to coexist while countering China's aggressive policies.
What is the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two-state solution?
The U.S. supports a durable ceasefire in Gaza and a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, which is essential for Israel's security and regional integration, despite the current challenges to the two-state solution.
- End of the post-Cold War era
- Rise of revisionist powers (Iran, North Korea, Russia, China)
- Rapid technological change
- Past crises (economic, health, democratic divisions)
- Restoration of U.S. competitiveness
- Re-engagement with alliances
Shownotes Transcript