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Joe Biden's new/old statecraft

Democrats need new thinking for new circumstances. The conditions are not there for a return to the US grand strategy of old.

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Despite what the polls are saying, Mr Joe Biden may not become the 46th president of the United States on Jan 20, 2021. But he might, so it's worth pondering some of the implications for US foreign policy.

Start by noting that Mr Biden's reputation is mixed. He long served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice-president, so presumably has gained much experience since entering the Senate via the 1972 election.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 25, 2020, with the headline Joe Biden's new/old statecraft. Subscribe