Comparison of U.S. Health Diplomacy in Containing Covid-19 during Trump and Biden Presidencies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Political Science,, Yasouj University, Iran

2 M.A Student, Yasouj University, Yasouj University, Yasuj, Iran.

Abstract

Health diplomacy has been part of states' foreign policy for over a century. It enables countries to enhance their national interests by leveraging soft power. The U.S. has consistently been active in health diplomacy, playing a significant role in international organizations like the World Health Organization. This paper aims to compare American health diplomacy during the presidencies of Trump and Biden to provide a clearer and more accurate analysis of U.S. foreign policy. The article poses the question: what is the most significant difference and similarities between U.S. health diplomacy under Trump and Biden? To address this question, a comparative method was employed, and data was gathered through library research. The research findings indicate that Joe Biden's health diplomacy diverged from Trump's in foure key areas: America's strategy for combating diseases, Participation in disease treatment initiatives (such as vaccine donations), A multilateral approach versus a unilateral approach, Responses to global health crises and improvements in long-term global health security infrastructure. In General, the shift from Trump's unilateralism in the global arena to Biden's engagement with allies and international institutions represents the most notable difference in their health diplomacy. Despite the above differences, both presidents had similarities in the following policies: prioritizing the health of American citizens over other countries, imposing financial and medical restrictions on governments that oppose and criticize the United States, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, Antitrust Enforcement and some Medicare policies.

Keywords

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References

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American Strategic Studies
Volume 3, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
Winter 2023
October 2024
Pages 39-71

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  • Receive Date: 02 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 30 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 05 October 2024

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