United States 2021: The year of failed hopes Cover Image

Stany Zjednoczone 2021: rok zawiedzionych nadziei
United States 2021: The year of failed hopes

Author(s): Aleksandra Jarczewska
Subject(s): Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: United States; Donald Trump; Joe Biden; foreign policy; Republicans; Democrats; US economy; Europe; China; Russia;

Summary/Abstract: The tumultuous presidency of Donald Trump (2017-2020) and the unprecedented attack on Capitol Hill in January 2021 that marked its ending posed enormous challenges to the new Joe Biden administration. The primary concern of the new administration was to deliver on an ambitious electoral agenda, while also addressing the troublesome legacy of the previous administration of Donald Trump. This chapter analyzes the first year of Joe Biden’s presidency, focusing primarily on the condition of American democracy after the attack on the U.S. Capitol and the effectiveness of the new administration’s domestic and international policy measures in fulfilling campaign commitments. It can be concluded that Biden’s first year in office as President has failed to bridge internal political and social divides, while the majority of the respondents are dissatisfied with the new administration’s performance. This is evidenced by the very low presidential approval ratings, which began to deteriorate after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This chapter attempts to answer why such an experienced and professional administration, that in principle did not experience any unexpected and unpredicted developments in the past year, is rated so unfavourably. Despite the objective obstacles faced by the new administration, 2021 lacked strong leadership and effective communication with the public. Moreover, the administration has tackled too many problems simultaneously instead of focusing on a few key issues.

  • Issue Year: 2022
  • Issue No: 27
  • Page Range: 261-280
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Polish