Biden says 'America is back' at the head of the table – but is that a good thing?

After four years of Trump, many diplomats are hopeful - but US critics say the idea of a return to a golden age' is a delusion

For most of the world's diplomats, Joe Biden's foreign policy slogan America is Back" is no metaphor.

On global issues from climate change, to non-proliferation and human rights, the US under the Trump administration had literally gathered up its papers and pens and left the meeting room. Biden's election victory and choice of committed internationalists to lead the foreign policy team, means that there will actually be someone sitting in what has been an empty chair.