Staff Reports
The Biden administration’s foreign policy appears to be in hyperdrive as Secretary of State Antony Blinken makes yet another trek to Europe, presumably to put out the fires lit by the previous few years of geopolitical events. This upcoming NATO meeting will be particularly crucial, as it likely represents the final chance for the current administration to rally support for Ukraine before the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House. It seems like NATO ministers in Brussels are preparing for more damage control than anything resembling a cohesive strategy.
At the heart of discussions in Brussels will be bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against Russian advances. This mission, however, is cloaked in the Biden administration’s chronic penchant for weapon deliveries and military support, with the underlying assumption that a well-armed Ukraine somehow translates to an unwavering commitment to democracy. It’s quite the narrative when one considers how the U.S. was once viewed as a staunch ally against tyranny but now finds itself scrambling to maintain relevancy while strategizing over coffee and croissants.
Biden’s latest moves include ramping up military aid for Ukraine and loosening restrictions on how they can use those arms. This seems to be a last-ditch gap-fill tactic meant to secure Ukraine’s position for negotiation. However, reports of significant Russian advances combined with assistance from North Korean troops suggest that the strategy may be reaching its expiration date. It raises the question: will future negotiations resemble a board game where the rules keep changing based on which side is winning?
Blinken heads to final NATO foreign ministers meeting of Biden administration with Ukraine in focushttps://t.co/6yGrsB2My2 pic.twitter.com/ZzvN83dkWm
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 3, 2024
Meanwhile, Trump’s skepticism toward ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine stands in stark contrast to Biden’s all-in approach. Trump seems poised to take a more measured stance, perhaps eyeing an end to what many conservatives consider an overextending commitment overseas. His appointee, former General Keith Kellogg, is set to spearhead mediation efforts, making it clear that if anyone can stop the shenanigans in Ukraine, it may well be a calm hand with an understanding of military realities—something that has certainly been lacking.
After the Brussels talks, Blinken will pop over to Malta for more diplomatic niceties with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. As political tensions brew in places like Ukraine and Georgia, one has to wonder if those ministers will be passing notes to one another, laughing over the absurdity of trying to enforce cooperation in a game of geopolitical chicken with Russia. As the Biden administration prepares to hand over the reins, the pressing question remains: will strict diplomacy or a return to Trump’s pragmatic approach yield better outcomes for America and its allies? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the liberal playbook is about to take a back seat.
