President Biden has made it his mission to wage the battle for democracy against autocracy, but he faces a dilemma when it comes to dealing with friends who undermine democratic principles. For instance, while he has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his efforts to enhance his own power, he has been more restrained in his approach to other allies like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The challenge for any administration, including Biden’s, is to maintain consistency in addressing democracy and human rights concerns worldwide. It is often easier to speak out against authoritarian abuses by enemies and competitors, but harder to confront friends and allies who may not fully align with Western notions of human rights.
Biden has emphasized the democracy-versus-autocracy framework since the beginning of his presidency, fueled by his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results. He has also framed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as part of the larger battle for democracy.
However, the Situation Room presents a more complicated reality, where other American interests such as military bases, intelligence cooperation, and economic ties come into play. Deciding when to forcefully advocate for democracy can be a tricky balancing act.
Some senior officials in the Biden administration privately feel uneasy about the black-and-white approach, as some friends of the United States uphold the rule of law without being particularly free, while others are less committed to human rights but still offer strategic advantages. This complexity is apparent in the case of countries like Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Biden has exercised restraint with unarguably autocratic countries like China, calling President Xi Jinping a “dictator” but saying little about China’s repression of its Uyghur minority or its crackdown in Hong Kong. This restraint becomes even more challenging when it involves American allies who have backslid on democracy, such as Egypt, Hungary, India, the Philippines, Poland, Tanzania, Thailand, and Turkey.
Even though Biden has not been particularly vocal about democracy issues in these countries, he has engaged with their leaders and maintained strategic relationships for various reasons, such as countering China, Russia, and illegal immigration.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the United States itself is grappling with its own democratic challenges, adding nuance to any criticism of other nations. Freedom House’s president, Michael J. Abramowitz, believes that while Biden deserves credit for exerting U.S. leadership on democracy, his rhetoric must be supported by concrete actions and financing. He also emphasizes the need for equal standards when holding other nations accountable.
Biden’s focus on democracy will inevitably face challenges and inconsistencies, as past presidents have also encountered when trying to reconcile their ideals with complex geopolitical realities. Biden has hosted summits on democracy and expressed optimism about the strength of democracies against autocracies. However, after two and a half years in office, he has yet to appoint a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary of state for democracy.
Biden’s approach to Israel reflects the delicate balance between his support for the country and his concerns about democratic erosion. While he has spoken out against Netanyahu’s curbs on the independent judiciary, critics argue that his response is selective and that Netanyahu’s plan actually strengthens elected leaders. This raises questions about whether Biden will go beyond rhetoric to pressure Netanyahu.
In the end, the challenge for Biden lies in maintaining consistency and navigating the complexities of international relations, where democratic ideals must often be balanced against strategic partnerships and national interests.
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