The key to Presidential success in international visits is to convince the world's leaders where he is visiting to understand and support the American foreign policy agenda. It is not to lecture or to try to force adoption of the American agenda using hard power, but rather to use soft power.
One has to ask was President Ombama successful in convincing the European leaders that America had a new foreign policy and that they should endorse and support it? Or did he make a few points and then adopt in his language the "European foreign policy agenda"?
Or was President Obama using soft power to convince European leaders that there was a "new" American foreign policy agenda and that he was there to explain and to ask for their support. Was it to first show that he could listen, explain and then slowly seek European leadership support? Is that too slow a system in this new world economy and global agenda?
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I hope we have a different foreign policy. The foreign policy decisions made by President Bush were wrong. I hope President Obama can clean up the mess he was left with, but I don't think putting more troops into Afghanistan is the answer.
ReplyDeleteI think that most of his policies seem to be use soft power and collaboration between parties, countries, races, and political agendas.
It will be hard to try and regain the support of countries after what President Bush has left us with. I think Obama will reinforce his issue with other countries and let them know that indeed we are good. I think he was using his soft power to convince them. I think it was totally and I agree with everything the last paragraph says.
ReplyDeleteAmerica has had a strong hand in European politics in the 20th century, especially with bailing out the allies in 2 World Wars. Hard power is no longer really needed; European countries may not like American bossiness, but we are no longer enemies with any European countries, so convincing Erupoe we want to work with them and not strong-arm them is the best way to proceed.
ReplyDeleteIm not exactly sure how Obama went about presenting America's new foreign policy agenda to European leaders, but I will say that soft power should be always be utilized first, and only hard power in extreme situations. If we try to keep bullying other nations into supporting our agenda, it will only contribute to our bossy and errogant image. However, I have confidence that Obama is handling these foreign affairs properly and is doing all he can to get other nations support without the use of hard power.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that soft power should always be used. Just like in the U.S. National Government does not necessarily know what is going on with the local government of every state. Therefore they stay out of it unless needed. I am unsure on how Obama explained the new foreign policy agenda. however we need to start letting other country's learn for themselves and stop pressuring democracy to the rest of the world. We do not fully understand everything about every country. we need to fix the problems we have in the U.S. before worrying about everyone else. We only should step in if we feel we are unsafe.
ReplyDeleteSoft power will win the hearts of many americans and Obama is trying to fix our economy before it gets any worse than it already is. America is America and has their own beliefs and rights and we can't change other countries to be like america. Other countries have their own beliefs and do things different and that is how it should be. Hard power should only be used when necessary and to be proved its needed.
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ReplyDeleteI believe Obama is using soft power; I heard part of his speech in Turkey, and he continually mentioned his respect for Muslim nations, and reiterated the fact that America does not see Muslims as enemies. It seemed to me like he was trying to 'clean up' America's image with peaceful negotiation. I think is rhetoric definitely gives him an advantage in situations like these, because it is easier for him to project an image of soft power, rather than the hard power that former president Bush expressed due in part to his lack of rhetoric.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Bush has not helped our image out in the middle eastern countries in the past. President Obama is trying to use a "Soft Power" tactict to gain some peace with our nation. A Syrian Muslim recently threatened to stab Obama our president. I think that the soft power image is a good thing but you still have to consider the dangers that could arise and use some hard power.
ReplyDeleteI believe that soft power is the way to go. I think that Obama's plans and intentions are beautiful and that he does intend to use soft power. He is a president that genuinely seems to care about his country. I also believe that the United States shouldn't interfere in other countries' business. I understand that for many, many years we have been the "big brother" or whatever you would like to call it, and we have always wanted to look out for every one else, but there is a time when it becomes too overbearing and it hurts more than helps. This is also a reason why many countries want to attack us, why terrorists want to harm people from our country- it's because they feel as if we are a threat. I think Obama's use of soft power is a good idea, maybe he will use soft power to work on our country instead of everyone else's.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama is using soft power, with marginal success, to re-establish friendly relations with foreign nations that were strong-armed or ignored by the Bush Administration during the previous 8 years. They understandably seem wary about blindly following our lead until they see proof in action that our leader's tactics and consideration are going to contain a mutual-consideration. One example is how Pres. Obama is gaining support for other nations for addressing Afghanistan, but receiving few pledges of additional troops from them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone can claim that as a foreign policy 'Walk with a swagger and use a big stick' has been a successful or rewarding policy for the last 8 years. Obama is doing the intelligent thing.
I agree that President Obama is using soft power in his current dealings with European and other nations. I also feel that he will continue to use the soft power, but I hope that if the time comes he has the ability to use hard power. Sometimes that is what is needed to get things done and protect the American people and the innocent people of the world. I'm confident that Obama has the mind and the advisors to know what is the right thing to do in the right situation. But as long as there is no reason for it, I hope that hard power stays on the shelf. And I sincerely hope that it stays there for a long time.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I have not followed Obama that well while he spent that piece of time over in Europe. However, I did a little research. As a president, I think Obama took into consideration the mistakes that Bush made in foreign policy. He noticed how invasive he appeared to the other countries, and wanted to show them a different side of America. Obama has a way of appealing to many, many people. He actually seems to care and truly wants the best for our nations and I think his good intentions will prosper. I think his attempt to reconnect with these countries was a very good move, and certainly will cause decent change. I think it was just another step forward.
ReplyDeleteI think Obama is doing the right thing. He is confident yet humble, unlike some of the presidents we have had in the recent past. When he goes oversees he is extremely respectful and I feel that respect is then returned. Electing Obama showed the world the United States was tired of all the bs and wants change. I think that earned us some respect from foreign countries. Obama defiantly has good management skills and demonstrates soft power in an awesome way.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading all of your comments, how very interesting to read all of your views. SKIMML and Jake Johnson had some good comments. Egarchow's comment was interesting, but I would like to say... After the tactics of President Bush even our European allies began to step back and question our intentions and integrity. In saying this I answer... soft power, President Obama used soft power. a very wise attempt to soothe and comfort our allies. "A soft answer turns away wrath." Surely wrath would have been the next move from our allies? Even, God forbid isolation? No one person is a nation and no one country is the world. What would become of our great nation should we find ourselves out of the fold? I shudder to think of the end result. Everybody needs a friend to turn to; in this case our nation needs our allies and the allegiances made. America is addressing many complex issues right now. We sent to the helm of our great nation the man we thought best suited to guide us through these choppy waters. In turn he brought with him the people he felt he needed to be his crew. Bravo to our Captain and his crew, and bravo to the people of this country. Yes the ride may be on rough waters, but if we can all just batten down the hatches and show some faith, there are smoother waters on the horizon. Proof of the promise of easier waters ahead is seen in Iran. Now Iran is willing to come to the table of discussion. A hostile nation towards us willing to do just what Obama asked them to do... unclench their fist. You see…The whole world watches. They watch and wait to see our true intentions, even our true strength, which comes through the use of soft power. The allies want and need to be reassured of who America is. They need to feel safe in the alliances made. A firm hand and a soft voice is what we need in this step towards renewing America's foreign policy and allegiances. Charisma and character such as that belong to our cool headed, free thinking President Obama.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama does not have an easy job trying to regain the confidence of many foreign countries, as well as bringing back our international composure as a county.
ReplyDeleteI think he is doing what he can, but this will take a little time. The Bush administration cast a shadow on our global reputation and this will likely take some time to dispel.
The use of soft power is a good first step towards changing the image of US foreign policy from that of an overbearing super power, to one of cooperation and willingness to negotiate.
President Obama definitely has a challenge before him when it comes to foreign policy. Many countries are glad to see a change in leadership but most of their negative opinions about America will change little. He is just another leader for the same team. He must convince the others that it is a different "team" or at least that his strategies will be different. Other nations are waiting to see his first actions. I think the global economic crisis is both a positive and a negative for Obama. Many nations are waiting to see how Obama's plan for America's economy will play out and if this continues for years their confidence may rise little. Yet I feel the same crisis is an opportunity for Obama to help unite with other countries on the basis that we are all in the same boat economically. With a unified problem we can grow a unified answer and hopefully increase positive relations with other nations.
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