Review of the Biden administration's first six months 

Woo Jung-Yeop 

(woo@sejong.org) 

Research Fellow, 

The Sejong Institute 

Executive Summary

This brief analyzes the prioritized policies of the Biden administration by reviewing how Biden has fulfilled his goals—promised upon his inauguration—and how particular policies have been prioritized at certain settings.

○ The Biden administration’s goals for the first six months were targeted to solve domestic issues. This is not to say that foreign policies were completely neglected; specific motivation is required for foreign policy to be prioritized over domestic policy.

○ This brief examined 54 executive orders of the Biden administration between Biden’s inauguration in January and early August and major bills endorsed by the administration.  

○ The Biden administration’s overall executive orders and major bills of the first six months demonstrate that the core focus remains on solving domestic issues. North Korean issues must be put off as the priority is given to U.S. domestic issues and the U.S.-China strategic, technology competition.

○ In other words, the U.S. recognizes China as its main competitor. As the U.S. currently emphasizes its foreign policy to benefit its middle class, the U.S. foreign policy will link with economic policy to reorganize the supply chain of state-of-the-art technology, new industrial policy, and climate change strategy.  

※ Translator’s note: This is a third party’s unofficial translation of the original paper that was written in Korean. All references should be made to the original paper.

※ This article is written based on the author’s personal opinions and does not reflect the views of the Sejong Institute.