Portrait of Boris Johnson
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Boris Johnson on Joe Biden

Transatlantic ally (moderate)

Boris Johnson's view of Joe Biden has generally been one of pragmatic alliance, focusing heavily on the importance of the US-UK Special Relationship during his premiership.

Although Johnson, a staunch Brexit supporter, initially faced differing priorities with Biden's administration, especially regarding climate policy and the Northern Ireland Protocol, he publicly advocated for strong bilateral cooperation.

Johnson often praised Biden's commitment to international alliances, contrasting it implicitly or explicitly with a more unilateral approach, reinforcing the shared security and economic interests between the two nations throughout their overlapping tenures.

Context

As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022, Boris Johnson's relationship with the US President was a central pillar of his foreign policy. The US is the UK's closest ally, making the dynamic between the two leaders crucial for trade, security, and international standing.

Johnson's tenure overlapped with the beginning of Joe Biden's presidency in January 2021, necessitating a working relationship despite differences in political ideology and approaches to certain global issues like the Iran nuclear deal and trade tariffs.

Actions Taken

  1. Foreign Policy Commitment
    Pledged to uphold the Special Relationship with the United States early in Biden's term.
  2. Security Agreement
    Co-founded the AUKUS defence pact with the US and Australia, signalling a shared strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific.
  3. International Coordination
    Maintained close coordination with the Biden administration regarding the response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Related Positions

  • US-UK Special Relationship Johnson consistently prioritized maintaining and strengthening this historical bond, making positive engagement with the US President a key goal.
  • Russia and Ukraine Johnson and Biden demonstrated strong alignment in their robust response, including sanctions and military aid, following Russia's 2022 invasion.
  • Climate Change Policy Johnson's commitment to Net Zero was significant, but he faced pressure from the Biden administration on the pace and scope of environmental action.

Comparison

  • Brexit Stance: Johnson's successful effort to leave the EU contrasted with Biden's clear preference for the UK to remain, which initially caused some friction.
  • Climate Change: Johnson's government hosted COP26, but Biden's administration pushed for more immediate and stringent climate commitments, highlighting a difference in emphasis.