Originally published on the CGS blog on February 10, 2009.
We’re excited by the speech that Vice-President Joe Biden gave at last week at the 45th Munich security conference . He made it clear that the U.S. is eager to engage with the rest of the world, under the leadership of President Obama, strengthening ties with U.S. allies and forging new relationships with U.S. foes.
In comments that could have come from our CGS Mission Statement, he said,
“The threats we face have no respect for borders. No single country, no matter how powerful, can best meet them alone. We believe that international alliances and organizations do not diminish America’s power – they help us advance our collective security, economic interests and values. So we will engage. We will listen. We will consult. America needs the world, just as I believe the world needs America.”
The Vice-President made it clear that the administration will work hard to repair our damaged relations with Russia. Biden said,
“The last few years have seen a dangerous drift in relations between Russia and the members of our Alliance. It is time to press the reset button.”
This shows that the administration realizes that engagement with Russia is integral to the achievement of key U.S. national security goals. Biden indicated that the Obama administration is willing to move past previous disagreements with Russia and resume a cooperative relationship. If successful, the administration may be able to make headway on a host of issues from Iran to missile defense to trade to terrorism to arms control.
Biden also held out a small olive branch to Iran, declaring,
“We are willing to talk to Iran, and to offer a very clear choice: continue down your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon your illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there will be meaningful incentives.”
He also demanded that Iran cease its support for terrorism, but he made no specific mention of Iran freezing its enrichment activities or the prospect of further UN Security Council sanctions. This nuanced policy opens up greater possibilities for dialogue, which Biden explicitly stated was a goal of the administration.
In short, his speech is further evidence that the administration is following through on its campaign promises for responsible U.S. global engagement, and that gives us added hope that we will be able to make major strides in achieving many of our policy goals this year.
