American Grand Strategy Under Obama: Competing Discourses

Georg Lofflmann explores the identity conflict within the Washington foreign policy establishment, between elite insiders and outsiders, and how the Obama Doctrine confirmed a geopolitical vision of American exceptionalism while challenging established notions of US hegemony and world leadership.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Georg Lofflmann delves into the intricate dynamics of identity conflict within the Washington foreign policy establishment, exploring the tension between elite insiders and outsiders. He examines how the Obama Doctrine, a hallmark of President Barack Obama's foreign policy, not only solidified a geopolitical vision of American exceptionalism but also posed significant challenges to established notions of US hegemony and global leadership.

Lofflmann highlights how the Obama Doctrine sought to redefine the United States' role in the world by promoting a more multilateral approach to international relations. This shift away from traditional unilateralism aimed to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. However, this approach also sparked debates within the foreign policy establishment about the extent to which the United States should prioritize its interests and values over those of its allies and partners.

One of the key aspects of the Obama Doctrine was its emphasis on building alliances and partnerships to address global challenges. The administration sought to engage with a range of countries, including China, Russia, and the European Union, to find common ground and promote stability in the international system. This approach was seen as a departure from the confrontational policies of previous administrations and was aimed at fostering a more cooperative and peaceful global environment.

However, the Obama Doctrine's emphasis on multilateralism also raised questions about the United States' ability to maintain its leadership position in the world. Some critics argued that by seeking to work through international institutions and alliances, the United States was ceding its traditional role as the sole superpower and allowing other countries to gain more influence and power. This concern was particularly prevalent in the context of the Syrian conflict, where the United States' reluctance to intervene militarily led to criticism that it was abdicating its responsibility to protect human rights and promote stability.

Another aspect of the Obama Doctrine that challenged established notions of US hegemony was its focus on promoting human rights and democracy. The administration believed that these values were essential to building a stable and prosperous global community and that the United States had a moral obligation to promote them wherever possible. This approach was seen as a departure from the more isolationist policies of previous administrations and was aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable international system.

Despite these challenges, the Obama Doctrine had a significant impact on the international landscape. It helped to redefine the United States' role in the world and promoted a more cooperative and peaceful approach to international relations. It also demonstrated the United States' commitment to promoting human rights and democracy, which were seen as critical to building a more stable and prosperous global community.

In conclusion, Georg Lofflmann's examination of the identity conflict within the Washington foreign policy establishment highlights the complex dynamics between elite insiders and outsiders. The Obama Doctrine, a hallmark of President Barack Obama's foreign policy, not only confirmed a geopolitical vision of American exceptionalism but also challenged established notions of US hegemony and world leadership. By promoting a more multilateral approach to international relations and emphasizing the promotion of human rights and democracy, the Obama Doctrine helped to redefine the United States' role in the world and promote a more cooperative and peaceful global environment. However, the Doctrine also raised questions about the extent to which the United States should prioritize its interests and values over those of its allies and partners, and the impact of its focus on multilateralism on the United States' ability to maintain its leadership position in the world.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 234 x 181 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474445733