Biden’s US team will differ in focus from Obama’s

Significance If confirmed, Buttigieg would become the first openly LGBTQ US cabinet official. In assembling his team, Biden is emphasising experience and diversity, drawing heavily on past Democratic administrations’ personnel, particularly the 2009-17 Obama administrations, where Biden was vice-president. This has opened Biden to jibes that his will be ‘the third Obama administration’. Impacts Not appointing ideologues from either Democratic Party wing will help Biden keep party peace for as long as possible. Trump-supporting Republicans will be even more resistant to Biden’s agenda than the Tea Party was to Obama’s. In practice, Biden cannot swiftly and immediately undo President Donald Trump’s actions across all areas. National security policy could align with Obama’s, especially if Islamist terrorism resurges.

Subject Prospects for China in 2016. Significance Political repression and more assertive national security policy have become the hallmarks of President Xi Jinping's leadership. Alongside, a global diplomatic push is calibrated to ensure critical advantage for Beijing in international affairs. The economic slowdown has implications for domestic politics and foreign relations.


Significance O’Brien succeeds John Bolton, who left the post on September 10. His candidacy was supported by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior presidential advisor Jared Kushner. O’Brien’s selection is a win for Pompeo and elevates Pompeo’s influence over national security policy, especially as a new permanent Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has not yet been confirmed. Impacts North Korea will welcome Bolton’s departure but still be concerned since Pompeo remains; this may slow US-North Korea rapprochement. O’Brien is likely to be a more low-key NSA than Bolton, reserving any policy disagreements for private meetings. Trump will still be the primary foreign policy decisionmaker.


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