Richard Javad HeydarianProfessorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
The advent of the Cold War in the mid-20th century introduced a major element in American politics, namely the so-called “imperial presidency.” In a remarkable departure from centuries of divided and diffused governance, American chief executives began to assume a growing prerogative over the conduct of foreign policy, with the full consent of an increasingly pliant Congress in an era of modern, instantaneous warfare.
Yet, party politics also exerted a major influence on the foundations and overall direction of American foreign policy. In the simplest terms, Republican presidents adopted a more hawkish approach towards external affairs, culminating in Bush era neo-conservatism, while adopting a tough ‘law and order’ position at home.
.
2021 brings a new administration to the White House. For the first time since 2008, the Democratic Party will control both chambers of Congress and the executive branch. Such dramatic realignments are often expected to herald significant changes in U.S. foreign policy.
While the style and rhetoric of U.S. foreign policy will modify with new administrations, its content usually changes far less. With the Biden administration poised to take power, what can we expect from U.S. foreign policy in 2021?
The two most significant legacies of the Trump administration s foreign policy are a sharply confrontational relationship with China and a radically different Middle East. It is unlikely that the incoming administration can or will want to change either policy to any significant degree.
By
Paul McLeary on January 19, 2021 at 7:16 PM
Navy carriers lined up at Norfolk, Va.
WASHINGTON: The Pentagon will take a hard new look at the Trump Administration’s last-minute shipbuilding plans, presumptive Defense Secretary nominee Lloyd Austin’s said in written responses to questions before today’s nomination hearing.
A new 30-year Shipbuilding Plan is due with the 2022 budget submission expected in March or April, while the Future Naval Force Study (FNFS) would require tens of billions more to be pumped into the Navy’s shipbuilding account a plan that might end up being a non-starter for the new administration saddled with billions in Covid costs and a skyrocketing debt.
HEADLINES & GLOBAL NEWS
By
Jan 11, 2021 11:23 AM EST
Kenneth Braithwaite said that US Arctic patrol vessels would be active in Antarctica. Other countries like Russia and China are attempting to capitalize on a foothold for military purposes.
The US Navy will be sending naval ships close to Russian land claims while the arctic ice sheet rolls back. Melting ice allow more traffic in the earth s coldest region.
According to Navy Secretary Braithwaite, American presence will be a priority for US Naval forces. He noted that more activity by the US would be prominent above the Arctic Circle, reported Breaking Defense. After January 20, he says it will be his last interview before a change of administration.
Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10:43
Royal Norwegian Navy Skjold-class Corvettes HNOMS Storm and HNMOS Skudd ride alongside the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during flight operations supporting Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 off the coast of Vestfjordern, Norway October 24, 2018. (Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley/U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS)
Rapidly melting sea ice and increasingly navigable Arctic waters – a so-called Blue Arctic – will create new challenges and opportunities for the United States, requiring “sustained American naval presence and partnerships in the Arctic region,” according to the new U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Arctic strategy.
The strategy released on Tuesday by outgoing Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite cites an expected rise in commercial shipping, natural resource exploration and increased military competition with Russia and China in the Arctic, calling on the Navy and the Marine Corps to focus on “day-to-day” competition with