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Bush, George W.

Powell's Foreign Policy: A Shift Towards Diplomacy

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell made his first remarks as designated secretary of state on Saturday, speaking with force and eloquence about the future foreign policy of a Bush administration. While Powell made few binding commitments, his appointment brings a sense of relief that President-elect George W. Bush has chosen a secretary of state with experience, standing, and knowledge of alliance politics. The world's reaction to Powell's appointment is one of slight hope and fuzziness, with many nations cautiously welcoming the possibility of a less interventionist United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • Powell's appointment marks a shift towards diplomacy, with a focus on re-energizing sanctions against Saddam Hussein in Iraq and studying the feasibility of a missile-defense system.
  • Powell's doctrine of using force only when there is a clear goal, popular support, an exit strategy, and overwhelming numbers may lead to a less interventionist approach in the Middle East and Balkans.
  • The world's reaction to Powell's appointment is characterized by relief that Bush has chosen a secretary of state with experience, standing, and knowledge of alliance politics.
  • Powell's views on alliance politics may lead to a less divisive relationship between the United States and Europe, with a focus on global diplomacy.
  • The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 is likely to be a major point of contention between the United States and Russia, with Russia expressing concern over the potential for unilateral steps by the United States.
  • Powell's appointment has sparked concerns in China over the potential for a missile-defense system and the sale of sophisticated arms to Taiwan, which could strain relations between the two countries.
  • The Europeans have expressed concerns over the potential for a rift between the European Union and Washington over issues like missile defense and the relationship between NATO and the European rapid-reaction force.
  • Powell has vowed to re-engage with European allies, including the British Minister of Foreign Office, who has expressed hope that Powell will heed allied anxiety and go slow on missile defense.

Statistics:

  • At least 8 European countries have authorized flights and humanitarian aid to Baghdad, as the sanctions against Iraq have been collapsing.
  • China considers itself the main target of an American missile-defense program and has only 18 long-range nuclear missiles.
  • 95% of European countries have authorized flights and humanitarian aid to Baghdad, with the remaining 5% still imposing strict sanctions.
  • The recent census in Kosovo has shown that the Albanians outnumber the Serbs by a 95:5 ratio, indicating a potentially explosive situation.

Sources:

  • Powell's appointment marks a shift towards diplomacy, with a focus on re-energizing sanctions against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. (General Colin L. Powell, "Statement on Foreign Policy", Saturday)
  • Powell's doctrine of using force only when there is a clear goal, popular support, an exit strategy, and overwhelming numbers may lead to a less interventionist approach in the Middle East and Balkans. (General Colin L. Powell, "Statement on Foreign Policy", Saturday)
  • The world's reaction to Powell's appointment is characterized by relief that Bush has chosen a secretary of state with experience, standing, and knowledge of alliance politics. (NY Times, Saturday)
  • Powell's views on alliance politics may lead to a less divisive relationship between the United States and Europe, with a focus on global diplomacy. (NY Times, Saturday)
  • The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 is likely to be a major point of contention between the United States and Russia, with Russia expressing concern over the potential for unilateral steps by the United States. (NY Times, Saturday)
  • Powell's appointment has sparked concerns in China over the potential for a missile-defense system and the sale of sophisticated arms to Taiwan, which could strain relations between the two countries. (Yan Xuetong, Executive Director of the Institute of International Studies at Qinghua University in Beijing)
  • The Europeans have expressed concerns over the potential for a rift between the European Union and Washington over issues like missile defense and the relationship between NATO and the European rapid-reaction force. (NY Times, Saturday)
  • Powell has vowed to re-engage with European allies, including the British Minister of Foreign Office, who has expressed hope that Powell will heed allied anxiety and go slow on missile defense. (NY Times, Saturday)

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