America First Vs. Foreign Policy for the Middle Class: Comparing Trump’s and Biden’s Foreign Policy Leadership Toward China

This study assesses the foreign policy of President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden toward China through the lenses of their doctrines: “America First” vs. “Foreign Policy for the Middle Class.” The main research question of the analysis is: How do “America First” and “Foreign Policy for the Middle Class” differ in practice, and what does this reveal about presidential foreign policy leadership? Drawing on theories of foreign policy personalization and leadership analysis, the study employs a qualitative comparative case study approach, focusing on official speeches, strategic documents, and policy actions from both presidents. The authors argue that while both administrations implemented a competitive posture toward China, their motivations, strategy and implementation instruments differed significantly due to different leadership styles. This research contributes to the growing literature on the personalization of foreign policy by demonstrating how leadership influences strategic choices in a great power rivalry.