Biden’s Cabinet Picks, Part 2: Antony Blinken

What kind of foreign policy is possible for the United States after four years of isolationism under President Trump?

Antony Blinken, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, has an interventionist streak, but some vestiges of Trump-era foreign policy will be hard to upend.

If confirmed, Mr. Blinken faces the challenge of making the case at home that taking a fuller role abroad is important, while persuading international allies that the United States can be counted on.

What course is he likely to steer through that narrow channel?

Guest: David E. Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times.

We want to hear from you. Fill out our survey about The Daily and other shows at: nytimes.com/thedailysurvey

For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. Read the latest edition here.

Background reading:

• Mr. Blinken’s extensive foreign policy credentials are expected to help calm American diplomats and global leaders • after four years of the Trump administration’s ricocheting strategies and nationalist swaggering. • European allies of the United States have welcomed a president who doesn’t see them as rivals. But with the possibility of a Republican-controlled Senate, they are also wary • . • Mr. Biden wants to reactivate the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, but the killing of the top nuclear scientist • in the Middle Eastern nation, which Tehran has blamed on Israel, could complicate that aim.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.