Obama and the Complexity of Foreign Policy Posted by James Lamond

Nicholas Kristoff had a great column today.  He points out that Barack Obama is an “open, out-of-the-closet, practicing intellectual.”  His point is that America has rejected the anti-intellectual wave that has flooded America during the Bush era.

He defines an intellectual as, “a person interested in ideas and comfortable with complexity.” 

Where else is this more important than foreign policy?  After eight years of a foreign policy based on gut feelings and ideology, it is refreshing to know that someone will be in charge who understands the complexity and nuances involved in the way the world works and is willing to listen to experts- even those who disagree with him.  President-Elect Obama will face a number of incredibly complex issues ranging from the global financial crisis to two wars to nonproliferation efforts.  He will need to approach these issues with policies that address the overall complexity of each situation and their overall place in the world.

Comments

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[RALPH]

OBAMA NEEDS TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE TEN ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMED FOREIGN POLICY:

http://americaphile.blogspot.com/2008/05/essential-elements-of-informed-foreign.html

1.) IMPLEMENT THE BEAUTIFUL COULTER PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST STABILITY IN IRAN!!!!

2.) IMPLEMENT THE BEAUTIFUL COULTER PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST STABILITY IN SYRIA!!!

3.) BUILD A FULL DEFENSE BARRIER, WITH AN ALLIGATOR-INFESTED MOAT (AND SPANISH-LANGUAGE WARNING SIGNS) ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICAN BORDER!!!

4.) BUILD A FULL DEFENSE BARRIER, WITH PROVISIONS FOR DOBERMAN PINSCHERS, ALONG THE U.S.-CANADIAN BORDER!!! WARNING SIGNS IN FRENCH!!!!! BWAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

5.) GET OUT OF THE U.N. AND SHUT DOWN THEIR HEADQUARTERS ON AMERICA’S EAST COAST!!!!

6.) ESTABLISH THE LEAGUE OF DEMOCRACIES, BUT ONE THAT WOULD SUPPLANT THE ONE-WORLD UNITED NATIONS!!!!! YES, SENATOR MCCAIN!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!

7.) CUT ALL DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH THE ROMAN POPE AND THE VATICAN CITY STATE!!!! AGENT OF PIAPS!!!

8.) PUT THE DUBLIN REGIME ON NOTICE FOR THEIR THREATS TO AMERICA AND INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS!!!! GIVE 48 HOUR NOTICE TO LEAVE AMERICA!!!! CLOSE EMBASSY AND CONSULATES!!! CUT ALL DIPLOMATIC TIES AND SANCTION ALL TRADE!!!!!

9.) HOLD A “SUMMIT OF VALUES” BETWEEN AMERICA’S NEXT GOP PRESIDENT AND ULSTÈR’S NEXT HEID MÄNNYSTÈR, SHARE VALUES: WORK-ETHIC, SOBRIETY, CULTURE, RAPTURE-READY FAITH!!!!

10.) PROVIDE DEFENSE AID TO ULSTÈR: FULLY ARMED DEFENSE BARRIER ALONG ULSTÈR-ÉIRE BORDER!!!!

DEFEND AMERICA!!!!!!!
SPREAD DEMOCRACY!!!!
SET THE CAPTIVES FREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[balzar]

As long as the defense border with Canada is designed to keep the goddamn Yanks OUT!! We don't want your 'white trash' up here.

[Darren7160]

I don't think I need to follow the link the previous commenter posted. I think his point is quite clearly stated.

How ironic that it just happened to be to a post about intellectualism and complexity.

Sometimes you just can't make this stuff up! Hahahahaha.

[Nick]

I don't think intellectualism is the problem right now. We have to admit that even if Obama appoints the most competent person, it will be seen as a partisan move. While many people feel that the GOP is in a state of dysfunction, they still are trying to get as many political shots at Obama as they can. Meanwhile, keeping on Gates would be a good idea but some Democrats are hesitant to keep someone who is politically tied to the current Administration.

Let's just hope pure intellectualism in the Obama Administration overcomes the partisanship of the current political culture.

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