Biden\u2019s Security Policy: Democratic Security or Democratic Exceptionalism?

Simona R Soare

doi:10.1007/s10272-021-0945-1

Abstract

By emphasising the internal-external security nexus inherent in democratic security, the US could aspire again to lead through the example of its democracy’s resilience and ability to self-correct.

Highlights

Can the Biden administration chart a new course for American security policy given the unprecedented level of polarisation and social unrest in the United States? Can the US lead internationally and build a new transatlantic
Partnership while tackling the layered political, economic and health crises it faces at home? This article examines the Biden administration’s security priorities, tracing elements of change and continuity in US foreign and security policy, and the challenges it faces as it tries to reassert US power and leadership, reassure allies and rebuild partnerships
This paper argues that President Biden’s foreign and security policy should build on democratic security by offering the prospect and promise of a fresh democratic future, not merely a fixed version of the past, while avoiding the pitfalls of democratic exceptionalism

Summary

Introduction

Can the Biden administration chart a new course for American security policy given the unprecedented level of polarisation and social unrest in the United States? Can the US lead internationally and build a new transatlantic. This article examines the Biden administration’s security priorities, tracing elements of change and continuity in US foreign and security policy, and the challenges it faces as it tries to reassert US power and leadership, reassure allies and rebuild partnerships.

Results

Conclusion