The United States is considered the most powerful country in the world " perhaps the most powerful nation in history. Yet, recent events involving Russia, Afghanistan and Kabul may beg the question, "What kind of power does the U.S. really have and how should it be used?"
Newswise — These are questions being asked by voters deciding who to support in the upcoming presidential election. And, the answers from the presumptive presidential nominees couldn't be more different, according to Laura Neack, a political science professor at Miami University. Neack just published The New Foreign Policy: Power Seeking in a Globalized Era. She's also the author of Elusive Security: States First, People Last.
According to Neack, power is a tricky thing, whether pitched hard or soft, and needs to be used judiciously in order not to be squandered.
"Senator McCain would have the U.S. wield more hard power, acting with muscle and military force, and alone if necessary," said Neack. "Senator Obama would have the U.S. wield the softer power of diplomacy and multilateralism, acting as first among equals with U.S. allies in the world. This difference in views is stark and has consequences for Americans and American security " and for the security of people well beyond U.S. borders."
Neack points to examples of each approach, saying the Russians have demonstrated that it is possible to wield hard power in some instances and get the desired effect, while the resurgent Taliban have demonstrated that sometimes an opponent who ought to be beatable can force the hand of the seemingly more powerful player.
"McCain looks at the world through the lens of the Vietnam War and says 'if only we had applied more hard power longer and more consistently we would have won.' This is a more straight-forward position, but not one that works across the board," said Neack. "Obama looks at the world through the lens of post-Vietnam and says 'we have to use different kinds of power in different circumstances because military force doesn't always work to secure our interests.' This is a more nuanced position, but more difficult to practice."
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