In an era of deep political polarization, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is championing a return to bipartisan cooperation in U.S. foreign policy. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—and soon to be the first woman to lead it —Shaheen is leveraging her unique position to bridge divides and craft a coherent, forward-looking international strategy.
Why Bipartisanship in Foreign Policy Matters Now
With global challenges ranging from strategic competition with China to instability in the Middle East, Shaheen argues that America cannot afford a fractured foreign policy. “There is no going back to the world of January 2025,” she declared in a recent speech at the Council on Foreign Relations . Her message is clear: U.S. leadership abroad requires domestic unity.
Despite sharp partisan divides on domestic issues, foreign policy has historically been a rare area of consensus. Recent developments suggest this tradition may be reviving:
- China Policy: A broad bipartisan consensus now exists that China’s trade and intellectual property practices are unfair .
- Global Security: Shaheen and Republican colleagues have jointly criticized the lack of a coherent strategy to outcompete China .
- Human Rights: Legislation like the International Human Rights Defense Act has garnered cross-aisle support .
Shaheen’s Blueprint for a Unified Foreign Policy
Senator Shaheen’s approach centers on three pillars: economic security, democratic resilience, and strategic alliances. Below is a breakdown of her key priorities:
| Priority Area | Key Actions | Bipartisan Support Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Security | Strengthen supply chains, counter unfair trade practices | Joint statements with GOP on China trade |
| Democratic Alliances | Reinforce NATO, deepen Indo-Pacific partnerships | Co-sponsorship of defense bills with Republicans |
| Human Rights & Gender Equity | Support women’s empowerment globally, defend civil liberties | FP4A initiative backed by diverse coalition |
How Shaheen Builds Consensus: A Step-by-Step Flow
🔄 The Shaheen Consensus-Building Model:
- Diagnose Gaps: Identify weaknesses in current administration strategy (e.g., lack of China playbook) .
- Engage Stakeholders: Consult military leaders, diplomats, and bipartisan colleagues.
- Draft Inclusive Legislation: Introduce bills with co-sponsors from both parties.
- Public Advocacy: Use speeches and media to frame issues as national—not partisan—imperatives .
- Legislative Follow-Through: Push for committee action and floor votes.
Challenges Ahead
While Shaheen’s efforts are promising, obstacles remain. The Trump administration’s abrupt foreign policy shifts have left allies wary and adversaries emboldened . Additionally, rising isolationist sentiment in both parties complicates consensus-building .
Yet Shaheen remains undeterred. In September 2025, she condemned an Israeli strike in Doha as destabilizing—a rare public rebuke that underscores her commitment to principled, consistent diplomacy .
For more on U.S. diplomatic strategy, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:U.S. foreign policy].
