Thread by @anders_aslund

@JoeBiden has already put out an Interim National Security Strategic Guidance. It is a nice well-structured read. While brief, it is substantial & consistent with prior policy statements. The key phrases are democracy and building back better.
whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…

2. The world is presented as receding democracies in need of repair in a "growing rivalry with China, Russia, and other authoritarian states." China (named 15 times) "has rapidly become more assertive," while Russia ( 5 times) plays "a disruptive role on the world stage.

3. Iran, North Korea and terrorists in the Middle East are mentioned, they are downplayed. Many countries are mentioned, but none in Eastern Europe - not a word about Ukraine, Belarus, etc. Europe is discussed as one entity & the UK is just about mentioned as an ally.

4. The dominant theme is democracy (mentioned somehow 47 times!) & a novel theme is corruption (mentioned 6 times). Biden promises: "We will require transparency and accountability in our government, root out corruption, and confront the distorting role of money in our politics."

5. In line with Biden's recent articles, he promises: "We will crack down on tax havens and illicit financing that contribute to income inequality, fund terrorism, and generate pernicious foreign influence."

6. Biden states "we will convene a global Summit for Democracy to ensure broad cooperation among allies and partners on the interests and values we hold most dear." But he does not elaborate. This was supposed to take place this year.

7. For a US President, this is strikingly multilateral, discussing the UN, the WHO & the WTO, though not the IMF or the World Bank. Biden even states: "we will...work to meet our financial obligations, in full and on time" to the UN & other international organizations.

8. This security document deals more with domestic issues, democracy, rule of law, the Covid-19 pandemic & climate change than with military matters. It underscores the need for investment in science & technology as well as "an updated social contract" for American workers.