What Joe Biden’s Presidency Means for Italy

On January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, and his victory has been met with mixed feelings in Italy. As the newly elected leader of the world’s most powerful country, Biden’s policies and actions will have a significant impact on Italy and its relationship with the US.

Firstly, Biden has already expressed his intentions to strengthen the alliance between the US and Italy. In his first phone call with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, he reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership and the NATO alliance. This should come as a relief to Italy, as the country has had a difficult relationship with the previous administration.

The new president’s focus on climate change could also lead to a more positive relationship between the two countries. Italy has been a leader in the fight against climate change, and with Biden’s pledge to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, there is an opportunity for Italy and the US to collaborate on this issue.

However, one of the main concerns for Italy is Biden’s stance on trade. The US has been critical of Italy’s trade surplus with them, and with Biden’s ‘Buy American’ policy, there are fears that this could further damage the country’s economy. Italy’s high-end fashion and auto sectors heavily rely on exports to the US, and any changes to import policies could adversely affect them.

Additionally, Biden’s priorities regarding foreign policy are mainly focused on Asia and the Middle East, while Europe is not a central point of his agenda. This could lead to Italy feeling overlooked when it comes to addressing issues that concern the country, such as immigration and terrorism.

In conclusion, Joe Biden’s presidency will have significant implications for Italy, particularly in areas such as trade and climate change. While there is hope for a stronger relationship between the two countries, there are also legitimate concerns that must be addressed. It remains to be seen how Biden’s policies will shape the US-Italian relationship, but it is clear that Italy will be paying close attention.