President Biden Seizes Opportunity at U.N. General Assembly Amid Home and Abroad Challenges

President Joe Biden’s U.N. General Assembly address comes at a politically perilous time for him at home and abroad. However, with the absence of some of the organization’s most powerful leaders, Biden has an opportunity to reassert himself on the world stage before next year’s elections. The fact that Russia, China, France, and the U.K. aren’t attending the General Assembly provides the United States with a chance to seize the moment as the most powerful country representative. However, some experts believe that Biden’s diminished capacity may render this opportunity less useful than it should be. Despite this, White House aides maintain that Biden will address the assembly from a position of strength and confidence, with strong allies and new partners. The White House has identified several priorities for Biden’s address, including advancing U.S. interests and values, providing financial resources to global south countries for development and infrastructure projects, countering the climate crisis, and taking action against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden will also advocate for the principles at the core of the international order, such as the U.N. Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While Biden is set to defend democracy at the U.N., he is also facing political and legal challenges at home, as well as broader government dysfunction. The prospect of a government shutdown is looming, and some House Republicans are against a proposal for a Ukraine aid supplemental measure. However, Biden is anticipated to announce another funding package paid for by previously appropriated spending. Former Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Kelley Currie argues that the U.N. is not an ideal platform to promote democracy due to its membership. Instead, she suggests privileging cooperation with countries that share U.S. values and are democratic. On the other hand, Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, has emphasized the need to engage with developing countries and address their concerns. Biden’s other commitments during the U.N. General Assembly include meetings with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, leaders from Central Asia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As President Biden prepares to address the U.N. General Assembly, he faces both domestic and international challenges. While the absence of some powerful leaders may present an opportunity for him to assert U.S. leadership on the world stage, his diminished capacity and ongoing issues at home may limit the impact of his address. Nevertheless, the White House remains confident in Biden’s ability to address important global issues, advocate for U.S. interests, and promote democracy while engaging with countries that share American values.