As the United States Congress finally confirmed Joe Biden as the 46th president amid chaos and violence on Capitol

Hill last week, one question comes to mind: Will the US show greater humility in managing its foreign relations? Will the US abandon its exceptionalism and begin to engage other nations in a normal way?

President-elect Biden promises to “restore dignified leadership at home and respected leadership on the world stage”. He has also promised that “the United States must lead not just with the example of power, but the power of our example”.

These are noble objectives indeed. Yet, in light of what the US has become, the challenges it faces in the international arena are enormous.

The first challenge goes to the core issue: the domestic foundation of foreign policy. As Richard Haas of the Council on Foreign Relations has argued, foreign policy begins at home. The problem for the US is “home” is having a serious problem at present.

Over the last four years, the US has allowed “home” to be weakened by President Donald Trump, his enablers within the Republican Party, and his supporters.

The consequences have been dire. The US’ standing in the world has declined further. America’s foes are quick

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