The Taliban victory in Afghanistan is a tragic side effect of a larger and necessary shift in US foreign policy. Much criticism of the US withdrawal has rightly focused on its shambolic execution, but many have gone on to make exaggerated claims about the shredding America’s international credibility and the end of the American era.

But Biden is not planning a global retreat. He laid out his ambitious plan for renewed US international leadership only six weeks into his term. The White House Interim National Security Guidance is notable both for its frank assessment of international challenges and the scale of its ambition.