Before the mid-term elections, questions arose about the face the American president would wear at these summits. Would he continue to relentlessly ensure that the United States is at the forefront of the struggle for democracy in the face of the autocratic models promoted by China and Russia? Or will he appear as a weakened leader, under the threat of a possible return of his predecessor Donald Trump and a possible fall of American democracy?
“A form of proof”
On Thursday, the Republicans seemed to be the favorites to win a majority in the House of Representatives, but only minor, contrary to what they craved. The “red wave” avoided, the 79-year-old Democratic leader hailed the smooth running of the ballot, considered a test case for his political future. “The rest of the world is watching us,” said Joe Biden. “(Our international allies) were very concerned if we were still the free democracy that we were and if our rules and institutions mattered,” he said. “With their votes, the American people have spoken and demonstrated once again that democracy embodies who we are,” said Joe Biden.
Joe Biden’s tour coincides with the return to the international stage of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who strengthened after securing a historic third term. The two leaders are expected in Bali. For Ash Jain, of the Atlantic Council think tank, the G20 represents “a form of test” for Joe Biden, who wants to strengthen the field of democracy while continuing to negotiate with autocratic regimes, placing himself in a position of strength.
Moscow or Beijing “have fun in the dysfunctions” of American political life, continues the expert. But the “midwayers” did not give them the opportunity to rejoice. Joe Biden said the Kremlin even seemed to wait for the election results before announcing his humiliating withdrawal from the key area of Kherson (southern Ukraine), another major setback in his invasion of Ukraine. “I find it interesting that they waited until after the election to make this decision, which we have long known they would make,” he said, in a nod to Donald Trump supporters with pro-Russian leanings.
How long ?
At COP27, the US president will recall that the United States adopted a law this summer that invests $ 369 billion in green energy projects and climate initiatives. “For the first time, the United States is in a good climate dynamic,” describes Joseph Majkut, an energy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Joe Biden will want to “do some kind of honor tour,” he continues. In Asia, for the rest of his travels, the leader praises the solidity of the American economy which, despite inflation, continues to show low unemployment and create jobs.
Faced with a China “stumbled in terms of economic growth”, Biden will have “some wind in the sails” when he sits down at the table, assures Matthew Goodman, economics expert at CSIS. But the favorable context does not erase the persistent doubts of American allies and their autocratic rivals about the longevity of Joe Biden’s doctrine, which turns 80 on November 20.
