The Democratic Approach to US Foreign Policy
On February 10, 2021, INCIPE, in collaboration with Fundación Consejo España-EE.UU, held the virtual event The Democratic Approach to US Foreign Policy, featuring Bill Richardson, former Governor of New Mexico, and Secretary of Energy and United Nations Ambassador under the Clinton administration, among others. The session was presented by the Ambassador of Spain and Secretary General of INCIPE, Manuel Alabart. Following the presentation, a question and answer session moderated by Vicente Garrido, Director General of INCIPE, commenced.
Bill Richardson began his remarks by addressing the differences between Republicans and Democrats in five specific areas: multilateralism, human rights, sanctions on free trade, climate change, and cooperation during the pandemic. Regarding multilateralism, Richardson mentioned the Democrats’ continued support for NATO as an example of the party’s internationalist approach. However, he explained how this is not reflected in the Republican Party, especially since the Trump administration, which has adopted a more protectionist stance. Richardson highlighted this contrast through trade policies and how the former president’s actions negatively impacted this area.
Secondly, Richardson emphasized the importance Democrats place on human rights, highlighting the need to publicly denounce violations committed by leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Additionally, Richardson expressed the Democratic Party’s concern about the climate emergency, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and immigration in this context.
Finally, he addressed the importance of international cooperation during the pandemic as an effective means of overcoming it. Despite Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO, Richardson stressed the relevance of international organizations and agreements in tackling global challenges. Furthermore, he mentioned the need to stabilize relations with Latin America and Europe after the Trump presidency, highlighting Mexico and NATO in this process.
At the end of the session, a debate was held in which participants posed questions related to tensions and developments within both US parties, as well as the situation in Myanmar and the US Vice Presidency of Kamala Harris.
