Friends of the US ought to help Joe Biden succeed: Bloomberg editors

US partners should coordinate new efforts to strengthen their joint military capabilities, much as Japan has been doing with Australia, India and key Southeast Asian nations

For America’s friends around the world, the election of Joe Biden comes as a relief. It should also be a call to action.

Washington’s once and future partners are right to celebrate. Biden’s national security team is competent and anchored by committed multilateralists. The president-elect has promised to revitalize U.S. alliances and lead coalitions to confront challenges such as climate change and the rise of China. After President Trump’s unremitting barrage of slights, insults, blackmail and threats, U.S. allies can expect a friendlier reception and much steadier leadership from a Biden White House.

At the same time, the U.S. stands weakened by