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Biden vs Trump diplomacy

The debate between Biden and Trump’s diplomacy showcases the stark differences in U.S. foreign policy approaches that have emerged in recent years. President Joe Biden emphasizes a diplomacy strategy focused on rebuilding alliances, promoting democracy, and engaging with global partners to uphold the liberal international order. His administration’s key priorities include supporting NATO commitments, assisting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, and fostering multilateral cooperation across various global issues. By contrast, former President Donald Trump's foreign policy embodies an "America First" philosophy, often characterized by skepticism of multilateral agreements and a tendency to prioritize national interests over collaborative global strategies. Trump's administration marked a significant departure from traditional diplomatic norms, exemplified by withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and contentious relations with allies such as Canada and Mexico regarding trade and security matters. The implications of these contrasting presidential diplomatic approaches are profound. Biden’s focus on restoring global alliances and leveraging soft power aims to stabilize U.S. relations worldwide, while Trump’s transactional and sometimes confrontational diplomacy raises concerns about undermining long-standing partnerships. As the international landscape continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of Biden and Trump’s diplomatic strategies is essential for grasping how U.S. foreign policy will influence global dynamics going forward. The ongoing rivalry between these two approaches reflects not only differing philosophies but also highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. in navigating its role on the world stage amid rising tensions, particularly concerning adversaries like China and Russia.

What is the common factor in how the world responds to controversial actions by countries like Saudi Arabia and the situation in Ukraine?

According to Katty Kay, the commonality in these political situations is 'time and amnesia.' She points out that just six years ago after Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, there was widespread outcry with Saudi Arabia being condemned as a 'pariah state' by both Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C. However, this outrage has faded over time. Similarly with Ukraine, Kay draws a parallel to how memory and time affect international responses. The clip highlights how moral outrage diminishes as economic and political interests take precedence over democratic principles.

Watch clip answer (00:49m)
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MSNBC

09:50 - 10:39

What is the significance of the recent US-Russia diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia?

The meeting in Saudi Arabia marked a historic breakthrough as high-level US and Russian diplomats met face-to-face for the first time in three years. This unprecedented dialogue between Ukraine's biggest backer and its enemy occurred amid rising European anxiety about President Trump's plans to resolve the Ukraine war. US representatives described the talks as 'upbeat and constructive,' with one official stating they were 'convinced' Russia was willing to engage in a serious process to end the war. However, Russia's position remained firm, with their foreign minister giving no sign of concessions while demanding Ukraine never join NATO and opposing any Western forces in Ukraine.

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BBC News

03:17 - 05:33

What role is NATO expected to play in policing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine?

According to defense experts, significant resources - estimated at just 10% of what would actually be needed - will be required to police any ceasefire in Ukraine. Despite being NATO's most powerful military partner, the US is not directly involved in the current exercise. The Trump administration has explicitly stated it won't be putting any US boots on the ground in Ukraine, which has created concerns among allies about who will maintain peace enforcement operations. This stance raises questions about resource allocation and NATO's commitment to peacekeeping responsibilities in the region.

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BBC News

12:23 - 12:51

What is President Trump claiming about his ability to end the war in Ukraine?

President Trump has asserted that he possesses the unique power to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following talks between Russian and American diplomats in Saudi Arabia, Trump stated that if he had been in office three years ago, the conflict would never have begun, suggesting his negotiation skills could have prevented the invasion. Trump criticized Ukraine for failing to reach a deal with Russia before the conflict escalated. The context of his claims is notable as recent diplomatic discussions in Riyadh occurred without Ukrainian representatives present, raising concerns in Ukraine and across Europe about the negotiation process and potential undermining of Ukrainian interests.

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BBC News

00:00 - 00:13

What is Trump's perspective on the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine?

Trump believes he has the power to end the war in Ukraine, stating that he could have made a deal that would have preserved almost all of Ukraine's land without the devastation that has occurred. He emphasizes that under his leadership, he could negotiate peace and prevent further casualties on both sides. Trump expresses frustration with the current administration's approach, noting they've had three years but failed to resolve the conflict. He points to Ukraine's destroyed cities and criticizes the lack of accountability for billions in U.S. aid. Trump's position is that he wants peace primarily to stop the killing of both Ukrainian and Russian people.

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CBS News

12:42 - 16:13

What is Donald Trump's assessment of the Russia talks regarding the Ukraine war?

Trump expresses increased confidence following the talks, stating they were "very good" and that Russia wants to end the ongoing conflict. He emphasizes the devastating human cost, noting that soldiers from multiple nations - Russian, Ukrainian, and Korean - are being killed by the thousands weekly. Trump characterizes the situation as "savage barbarianism" that must be stopped, and declares that ending the conflict is a priority for the United States. His assessment suggests a diplomatic solution may be possible through these negotiations.

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Al Jazeera English

01:04 - 01:47

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