One hundred days into President Biden’s administration, a focus on working with partners and allies has been on display for the world to see— but global challenges persist.

• A new dynamic of competition has emerged in U.S.-China relations, where both sides freely admit to tensions in the wake of escalating rhetoric over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong, Taiwan, trade and technology issues. Space exists for cooperation, but watch how both sides manage this increased level of competition across all fronts moving forward. 
  • Congress and the Biden Administration have been working in lockstep to enact a more robust set of policies toward China, including significant new domestic investments in technologies of the future. 

• Following the extension of the New START Treaty with Russia through February 2026, things became increasingly complicated. The detention of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russian responsibility for the SolarWinds cyber hack and a large troop buildup on the border with Ukraine have all strained the relationship. And the White House recently announced a new raft of sanctions. Nevertheless, Biden has stated his intention to meet President Putin during his planned June trip to Europe. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• Motion on nonproliferation, but little movement— yet. The Biden Administration has reportedly reached out through multiple channels to restart nuclear talks with North Korea— so far to no avail. Talks with Iran in Vienna have progressed, although the April 12 incident at the Nantanz nuclear facility in Iran, along with the Iranian Foreign Minister’s leaked recordings, has complicated these negotiations.

Read our full analysis here.