The Obama Doctrine

Since becoming US President in January 2009, Barack Obama’s foreign policy doctrine has been described as one of traditional American realism, being willing to use American power where needed but equally tempered with self imposed practical limitations of what America can actually plausibly achieve worldwide.

It’s somewhat different to the more idealistic, liberal principles that Obama espoused as a presidential candidate, notably having set back or abandoned pledges such as the closing of Guantanamo Bay and enacting efforts to bring true energy security to the US but largely the platform of Obama the candidate is the same as Obama the president.

Specifically, the Obama doctrine itself emphasises co-operation with allies and an acceptance of multiculturalism globally, improving America’s reputation worldwide, has placed focus upon ending the wars in the Middle East started under his predecessor, a shift towards economic instead of military sanctions, the public rejection of enhanced interrogation techniques and the use of drone warfare to tactically assassinate senior Al-Qaeda leaders in place of military invasion.

While Obama has faced adversity with regards to his economic and domestic policies back home, largely he has had a relatively successful foreign policy record. He met his pledge to withdraw US forces from Iraq and is in the process of drawing down troop presence in Afghanistan, has kept a firm line on China without causing a currency or cyber war, brokered a deal for partial nuclear disarmament between the US and Russia, participated in the humanitarian intervention of Libya and led an effective effort to dismantle Al-Qaeda’s terrorist network, not least ordering the operation that led to Osama bin Laden’s death. Indeed, these achievements have been considerable and by no means easy.

While Obama has faced adversity with regards to his economic and domestic policies back home, largely he has had a relatively successful foreign policy record.

However, President Obama has also encountered criticism on issues such as his response to the 2012 Egyptian military coup that deposed Mohamed Morsi from power, the Edward Snowden whistleblowing scandal, the administration’s response to the Syrian genocide and the deal to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for drawing down its nuclear program. In addition, Obama’s stance towards Russia has also been criticised as being insufficient of that expected from an American President.

Of course, the Cold War is indeed over so Obama does not need to be as strong against Russia as his predecessors from 1945 to 1991 had to be, but it is still expected that the American President displays the strength of his nation as opposed to the Russian President, as while the Soviet Union crumbled, Russia is still an incredibly influential and powerful nation, politically, economically and militarily.

For much of his first term, Obama had little trouble from Russia, to the extent of even signing a landmark nuclear disarmament pact with President Medvedev that agreed both nations would cut down their nuclear stockpiles. Despite this, the 2012 re-election of Vladimir Putin has resulted in fresh tensions arising between the two nations, which were initially shown through Russia’s support and asylum of American whistleblower Edward Snowden in 2013 and has manifested hugely as a result of the Crimea crisis.

For much of his first term, Obama had little trouble from Russia, to the extent of even signing a landmark nuclear disarmament pact with President Medvedev that agreed both nations would cut down their nuclear stockpiles.

It is during this crisis; arguably the largest foreign policy dilemma of Obama’s presidency to date that will test the Obama doctrine. The President faces criticism from the Republicans at home, notably his former presidential rivals, John McCain and Mitt Romney, who argue that he is too weak to stand up to Vladimir Putin. Equally, the liberal wing of his own party is weary of the US getting involved in another foreign conflict, having been lukewarm in support for Libyan intervention and opposed to such measures in Syria.

The Obama doctrine aims for the middle ground, US strength tempered with cautious self-awareness. So far, President Obama has been traditionally careful, pushing for economic sanctions against Russia and publically condemning her actions. It has worked, to some extent, although criticisms about its weakness still persist, especially with news of Russian troop movements in Crimea. Obama has stated he supports the Ukrainian government, but the extent of that support in response to any future Russian movements has yet to be stated.

One thing is for sure, President Obama is staying true to his foreign policy doctrine, but for how long is another question entirely.

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Photo: flickr/allisonharger