Taking over from Trump, the incoming administration is expected to seek to end the unpredictability and reversals that have often characterized the current president’s global affairs. Aides to Biden have accused the administration of failing to provide adequate access and information as they prepare to take office, including at the Pentagon. The appointments also illustrate Biden’s aim to restore closer alliances in Europe and Asia, the value of which Trump has repeatedly questioned. Hicks, who is now a scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has criticized some defense decisions under Trump, including a reduction in forces from Germany. He also said the Biden administration would probably keep small Special Operations forces in certain countries to address terrorism threats but would seek to avoid large troop commitments.

Source: Washington Post December 30, 2020 14:48 UTC