Defining the Obama Doctrine, Its Pitfalls, and How to Avoid Them (Flashback)

Heritage.org ^ | 9/1/2010 | Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D. and James Carafano, Ph.D.

[Nachum]

Abstract: President Barack Obama has said that America would reach out to other countries as “an equal partner” rather than as the “exceptional” nation that many before him had embraced; that “any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail”; and that “[o]ur problems must be dealt with through partnership” and “progress must be shared.” He has laid out in his public statements the tenets of a doctrine that, if enacted, would enable his Administration to remake America as one nation among many, with no singular claim either to responsibility or exceptionalism: (1) America will ratify more treaties and turn to international organizations more often to deal with global crises and security concerns like nuclear weapons, often before turning to our traditional friends and allies; (2) America will emphasize diplomacy and “soft power” instruments such as summits and foreign aid to promote its aims and downplay military might; (3) America will adopt a more humble attitude in state-to-state relations; and (4) America will play a more restrained role on the international stage. These tenets, however well-intentioned, will make America and the world far more insecure. Examining President Obama’s doctrinal statements and actions more closely demonstrates why reasserting American leadership on behalf of liberty would be the wiser course.

American Presidents become known for “signature” statements and responses to foreign policy and national security challenges. Ronald Reagan is known for his efforts to defeat Communism and advance “peace through strength.” Bill Clinton is remembered for his argument that military interventions, such as his humanitarian intervention in the former Yugoslavia, are justified “where our values and our interests are at stake and where we can make a difference.”[1]

[Nachum]

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[FrankR]

The First Hemorrhoid has no "doctrine"...he's a street corner punk who basks in the attention of TV cameras and plays lottery winner with our money...

[Triton42]

I think it’s too generous to even say there IS an Obama doctrine. I’m convinced the man is in over his head and hasn’t a clue what to do. When something happens he’s frozen like a deer in the headlights.