A New Direction in International Relations

Historically, the Department of State (informally known as The State Department) follows the lead of the President in our relations with other countries. The President is the one who sets the tone and intention of the diplomatic emphasis of the State Dept.


Under George W. Bush, the general tone of the diplomacy coming out of D.C. was adversarial at the least. Following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, President Bush, in attempting to form a coalition of states with which to make war on Afghanistan and the Iraq, made the statement that governments were “either with us, or against us.” This easily, readily defined the International Relations tone of the United States, and the Secretary of State was the face of this aggressive rhetoric.


This hard-line diplomacy was met with skepticism both domestically and abroad. The 'join us or you’re our enemy' tactic was, I feel, poorly advised, and executed even worse. For decades the USA has been the model of diplomacy, and of the democratic process. Countries wanted to be like us. Over the course of GW Bush’s two terms, many solid allies began to question the real intent of the United States. Where before we had been a leader, many countries now began to see us as the big bully who would threaten you if you went against our wishes. Decades-long friendships were in jeopardy, or lost all-together.

I think that for a number of countries, the end of President Bush’s time in office couldn’t have come any sooner. Diplomatically, the US was in a deep hole; and it had a multitude of fences to mend with allies, with estranged governments, and potential enemies.


The choice of Hillary Clinton (By President Barack Obama) as the new Secretary of State was a wise decision. Her former experience as First Lady, and as a New York Senator has proven to be invaluable; and unlike her predecessor, Mrs. Clinton has the tact required to actually engage in constructive diplomatic efforts.


In his recent trip to the Middle East, President Obama set a new tone regarding the intent of the United States in its relations with the world. Gone are the adversarial tone and actions of the former Administration. Instead of it being us against the world, President Obama is looking on Secretary Clinton to heal the wounds caused by the Bush policies, and to open actual dialogue with governments that have, over the last 8 years, been treated as enemies.


President Obama’s speech in Cairo really let the world know that change is coming. He wants to assure world leaders that the policies of the GW Bush Administration are gone, and that the USA no longer views things as “with us, or against us.” It is a long time coming, and I am hopeful that the new approach works as well as President Obama hopes. Though we are the world leader in many regards, even the US cannot stand alone. I can only hope that Secretary Clinton can show world leaders how much we all need each other, and how much the future depends on this new diplomatic approach.