“I believe we and mainly you have an incredible opportunity to lead in shaping a new world order for the 21st century in a way consistent with American interests and common interests,” Biden said before shaking hands with 995 members of the class of 2014.

The reference to a “new world order” echoed a similar goal set by President George Bush after the collapse of European communism.

Biden described the new order as a world that seeks human rights, free trade and an end to poverty and oppression.