Understanding the Delay in a Bilateral Trade Deal Between Joe Biden and Boris Johnson

The efforts to reach a bilateral trade deal between Joe Biden (President of the United States) and Boris Johnson (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) have been delayed by a variety of factors, primarily political in nature. While the costs of this delay are significant for both nations, understanding the dynamics involved can offer insights into the complexity of such negotiations.

The Core Challenges

One of the significant challenges is the ongoing situation in Northern Ireland. Boundaries and treaties in this region are complex and touch on a multitude of sensitive political and economic issues. President Biden has not been entirely clear on how to navigate these waters, which in turn affects the overall progress of the bilateral talks.

There are several reasons why a trade agreement between the US and the UK has been put on the backburner:

US Priorities

1. The Stated Positions of US Senators Since 2016: US Senators have consistently expressed positions that need to be considered in such negotiations. Ensuring that these senators' sentiments are aligned and that their interests are protected can be a protracted process.

2. The Attitude of the US Congress: The collective attitude of the US Congress towards the UK and Ireland can impact the negotiations. The senators and representatives in the Congress might not embrace a deal without significant changes to meet their preferences.

3. US National Interests: Any trade deal must align with the broader objectives of the US. Major security, economic, and strategic considerations play a crucial role in shaping the negotiations.

4. US Trade Priorities: The US is known for its rigorous trade policy, and any deal needs to meet stringent standards related to labor, environmental, and intellectual property rights.

5. The Attitude of the US People: Public opinion in the US also influences these negotiations. If there is significant opposition from the US population, it can complicate the process even further.

Government Reliability

6. Established Differential Reliability of UK Governments: Different UK governments have varying levels of reliability and commitment to trade agreements. This variability can impact the stability and predictability of any proposed deal.

7. Johnson's Public Hostility Toward Biden: Personal and political tensions between Johnson and Biden have created a difficult atmosphere for negotiations, affecting the trust and openness necessary for a successful deal.

8. Biden's Personal Mistrust of Morons: The term "morons" here is a colloquial reference to those whom Biden sees as untrustworthy or unreliable. This personal distrust can hinder diplomatic efforts.

The US Perspective on Trade Deals

1. Biden’s Domestic Economy: President Biden's primary focus has been on revitalizing the US economy. He has prioritized domestic issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and climate change. These domestic priorities have put trade deals on hold.

2. EU Market Precedence: When Biden does turn his attention to international trade, the European Union (EU) market will take precedence over the UK. The US has a much larger trade relationship with the EU, making any deal with the UK a second priority.

3. Time-Consuming Negotiations: Historical patterns suggest that trade deals take years to finalize. The UK has completed several trade deals in months or weeks, which implies that these deals were relatively simple and did not meet the same rigorous standards as those expected from the US.

Conclusion

The delay in a bilateral trade deal between Joe Biden and Boris Johnson is a reflection of the complex and multifaceted nature of international trade negotiations. While both countries have significant economic interests at stake, the political climate and domestic priorities make such an agreement a long-term goal rather than an immediate possibility.

Note: Any advice or commentary provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Ensure you consult with a licensed professional for any legal matters.