White House and The World

When president-elect Joe Biden takes office, he will face a daunting set of challenges. His administration’s agenda will be shaped by twin imperatives: containing the COVID-19 pandemic itself and supporting Americans through an economic crisis. Both tasks will be considerably more difficult if US policy doesn’t also pivot toward constructive engagement with the rest of the world. This pandemic is truly global, illustrated by the ease with which it has moved across national borders and the scale of ensuing worldwide economic damage. Here, CGD experts offer evidence-informed briefs for the incoming administration, with recommendations to reengage constructively with the world—and particularly developing countries.