Biden Aimed to Regain Top Seat at Diplomatic Negotiation Table on Inauguration Day

Fill Key Positions with Experts in Diplomacy
Difference from Trump Centered on Businesspeople and Military Personnel

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] President-elect Joe Biden emphasized his intention to demonstrate influence on the international diplomatic stage from his first day in office through his initial foreign and security appointments.

On the 23rd (local time), after announcing appointments for Secretary of State, National Security Advisor to the White House, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Climate Change Envoy, Biden released a statement saying, "There is no time to waste on national security and foreign policy," adding, "From the first day of my administration, we need a team ready to reclaim America's seat at the head of the table on the international stage, to unite the world against the greatest challenges, and to help advance our security, prosperity, and values."

Earlier, in a press conference, Biden also emphasized his intention to restore the international diplomatic influence of the United States, which was damaged under the Donald Trump administration, starting from his first day in office.

The individuals announced on this day are recognized for their ability to swiftly lead changes in foreign policy, having worked closely with Biden for a long time.

Tony Blinken, the former Deputy Secretary of State, who was selected as Secretary of State, served as National Security Advisor when Biden was Vice President and later as Deputy Secretary of State during the second Obama administration, exerting influence in international diplomacy. John Kerry, the former Secretary of State appointed as Climate Change Envoy, was his superior. This is why Blinken is considered the perfect candidate to handle issues such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the return to the Iran nuclear deal.

In a 2013 interview with The Washington Post (WP), Biden praised Blinken's efforts to end the Iraq War, saying, "Blinken is a superstar. No exaggeration. The (Obama) president watched him work with me for four years and then stole him."

Jake Sullivan, appointed as National Security Advisor to the White House, is in his 40s and considered young in the foreign and security field, but securing such a key position indicates his recognized capability.

The New York Times (NYT) explained that he is the youngest White House National Security Advisor since the Dwight Eisenhower administration in the 1950s.

NYT also reported, "Blinken and Sullivan are good friends who share a common worldview and have been Biden's voice on diplomatic matters," adding, "They also led the attacks against Trump's America First policy."

The appointment of former Secretary of State John Kerry as Climate Change Envoy is also believed to carry significant meaning. Kerry, who led the Paris Climate Agreement, is expected to actively engage in climate diplomacy alongside Secretary of State nominee Blinken. Their cooperation is anticipated to be smooth.

While President Trump assigned the UN Ambassador position to a novice diplomat after former Ambassador Nikki Haley and treated it coldly, President-elect Biden's selection of a diplomat with 35 years of experience is interpreted as a willingness to break away from Trump's exclusionary multilateral diplomacy policy and America First approach.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the UN Ambassador nominee, served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. NYT reported that Biden plans to elevate the UN Ambassador position to a cabinet-level post and include it in the National Security Council meetings.

President-elect Biden's foreign and security lineup shows a significant difference from that of President Donald Trump. Trump appointed former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, a businessman, and former NSC Advisor Michael Flynn, a military officer. The results of these appointments were disastrous. Tillerson was replaced within a year by then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and Flynn was quickly ousted after being embroiled in the Russia scandal.

Even afterward, President Trump repeatedly appointed military and non-diplomatic personnel rather than State Department officials, causing diplomatic confusion.