It looks like the tide is turning. There was the expected rebound in opinions of the United States after Joe Biden’s November election win over Donald Trump. But relief was always tempered by doubts about the new administration’s ability to turn rhetoric into outcomes and produce an enduring rise in U.S. status and influence.
Recent developments offer grounds for optimism — a genuine shift might be taking place. For sure, it’s just beginning and this trajectory can be easily derailed. But signs are good and are another reminder that it’s never a good idea to give up on the United States.
Biden’s language before and after the election has been consistent. He praised cooperation and consultation, multilateralism and alliances. Once in office, he reversed many of Trump’s most high-profile gestures — withdrawal from the Paris Climate accord, suspension of membership in the World Health Organization, abandoning the strategic nuclear agreement with Russia — and is working on others (rejoining the Iran nuclear deal).