Shifrinson Quoted on Biden’s Off-the-Cuff Global Pronouncements
In an interview with France 24, Joshua Shifrinson, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, comments on United States President Joe Biden’s recent assertions on the world stage and how they have shaken global diplomacy.
The article, titled “Gaffes or trial balloons? Biden loose lips rattle world stage,” outlines statements President Biden has made regarding Taiwan and Russia, how these have strayed from established U.S. policy, and the impact they have on relationships abroad. According to Shifrinson, “it’s very hard to say whether these are gaffes or a two-level game. But if it is a two-level game, it is incredibly dangerous.” China responded quickly and furiously following Biden’s remarks on Taiwan, and while the island country appreciated the affirmation, Shifrinson argues that “Bluntness can be a very good thing but in a situation like Taiwan it can be quite dangerous.”
The full article can be read on France 24‘s website.
Joshua R. Itzkowitz Shifrinson is an Associate Professor at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, where his teaching and research interests focus on the intersection of international security and diplomatic history, particularly the rise and fall of great powers and the origins of grand strategy. His work has appeared with International Security, the Journal of Strategic Studies, Foreign Affairs, and other venues. Read more about Professor Shifrinson on his faculty profile.