The Serious Foreign Policy Thread--Bolton Cleans House

[Dill]

(03-26-2018, 09:11 AM)Belsnickel Wrote: Just read an interesting article, this morning: https://theconversation.com/fewer-diplomats-more-armed-force-defines-us-leadership-today-92890


This is definitely an interesting shift in our foreign policy, and one that I fear will have long-lasting negative implications. We are already seen as a bully state by many other states around the world, and this exacerbates that. The appointment of Bolton to NSA will likely compound this given his positions.

Now, this isn't new. As the article goes on to discuss "kinetic diplomacy," it does note that the diplomatic shift started in earnest post-9/11. Obama was also more active militarily. Trump has just kicked it into high gear and seemingly made it highly improbable for diplomatic solutions to be reached were a crisis to erupt.

Yes, started after 9/11, but I don't see an even progression.  Obama is trying to replace the "kinetic" action with diplomacy. From this understanding, drone strikes are in part about that--reducing the US footprint in conflict ares.

Love the concept thought--"kinetic diplomacy."  The U.S. is like Athens after the death of Pericles, a big stupid hegemon alienating allies.