ABSTRACT
At the outset of his presidency, Biden focused on the domestic policy issues that dominated public concern, immigration being the exception. He outlined his priorities in foreign affairs: repairing European and other democratic alliances, confronting Russian internet intrusions, and China’s economic and territorial expansions. Americans and most foreign policy leaders also expressed more confidence in Biden’s personal style: his cautious and consistent decision-making and his emphasis on human rights, democratic values, and cooperative diplomacy. Being tough with Russia was a component of Biden’s developing foreign policy doctrine. Russia was viewed negatively by three out of four Americans at that time. The rivalry with China, the continuing presence of US forces in the Middle East, and the cooperative military strategy that followed from Biden’s desire for joint alliance leadership and actions forced the administration to rethink its military strategy. President Biden said that the United States would not send combat forces to Ukraine but would supply defensive weapons.
