Leadership crisis: Biden’s cognitive decline and global challenges

According to a recent article by The Hill, the United States is facing a leadership crisis at a critical global moment, marked by President Biden's alleged cognitive decline and the intensifying challenges from China and Russia. Special Counsel Robert Hur’s recent report highlighting Biden’s “poor memory” was dismissed as partisan, but it underscores the growing concerns about Biden's ability to lead.

As China and Russia strengthen their alignment, the U.S. appears overstretched, with its military resources thinly spread across Europe and the Middle East. Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression in Ukraine has significantly engaged U.S. resources in Europe, which may embolden Chinese President Xi Jinping to pursue his goal of incorporating Taiwan into mainland China. Xi has recently emphasized that Taiwan's unification is central to his national rejuvenation drive.

Putin is also retaliating against the West for seizing Russian assets to arm Ukraine. Despite Putin’s warnings, Biden has allowed Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia, escalating U.S. involvement in the conflict. This move contradicts Biden’s previous stance to avoid direct attacks on Russian territory, raising questions about his decision-making capabilities.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not only tied down U.S. resources but also diverted attention from the larger threat posed by China. China has rapidly expanded its nuclear arsenal and conventional military forces, surpassing Russia in economic and military capabilities. Biden's 2022 national security strategy acknowledges China as the only country with the power to reshape the international order. Yet, China has benefited from the U.S. focus on Russia, increasing its economic ties with Russia and expanding the use of the Chinese yuan in international trade.

China’s aggressive military drills around Taiwan indicate preparations for potential action against the island. Xi might perceive a strategic opportunity to move against Taiwan without provoking a full-scale war with the U.S. The recent drills, more sophisticated and expansive than previous ones, suggest China is preparing for a blockade or an assault on Taiwan.

Political instability in the U.S. could exacerbate its vulnerability to international threats. Even if Biden decides not to run for a second term, he would remain president for several more months, during which doubts about his mental fitness could weaken U.S. resolve and embolden adversaries. The U.S. faces a leadership crisis at a time when its global preeminence is being challenged.

Hyper-partisan politics and profound polarization are straining American democracy, making the country its own worst enemy. The U.S. risks accelerating its decline through strategic overreach under shortsighted leadership, jeopardizing its position as the preeminent global power at a time when adversaries are seeking to reshape the world order.