President Joe Biden is currently in Peru and Brazil for a series of summits, where he will be reflecting on his time in office and looking ahead to the future. No longer solely defined by his victory over Donald Trump and his 'America First' policies, Biden finds himself among world leaders who are now seeking to engage with Trump and his ideologies.
Many leaders have shifted their focus towards building or rebuilding relationships with Trump, even as they interact with Biden during the summits. This dynamic creates a sense of awkwardness, given Biden's limited time left in office and the impending changes that will occur once he departs.
Conversations among leaders are centered on how to protect their economies and respond to the challenges posed by Trump. However, Biden administration officials have largely been excluded from these discussions, highlighting the shift in global priorities.
During his time in Peru and Brazil, Biden will have one-on-one meetings with President Xi Jinping of China and engage in trilateral talks with the leaders of Japan and South Korea. The anticipation of potential interactions with Trump adds an element of uncertainty to the summits.
Biden's delegation for this trip is smaller compared to previous foreign visits, reflecting a lighter schedule and lower stakes. Many members of the entourage are also contemplating their next career moves, underscoring the transitional phase that Biden's presidency is entering.
Following a recent meeting with Trump at the White House, Biden may struggle to provide reassurance to allies about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy. It remains to be seen how receptive foreign leaders will be to Biden's perspective amidst the evolving global landscape.
