Dr. Charles Doran, Professor of International Relations, titled his speech given on June 10th 2008 at the America House Munich “How Americans Choose - The most important Presidential Election in a Century”. Maybe – as we are still at the beginning of this century - this sounds somewhat exaggerated at first, but on a second look the upcoming presidential election in the United States indeed appears to be a unique and path-breaking event for the future
(…) As the topic of our seminar was “America and the world”, this term paper will focus on the nominees' foreign policy perspectives, which show surprisingly few differences but many similarities.
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
2.1) On Environment & Natural Resources
2.2) On Future Diplomacy
2.3) On Relationship to…
2.3.1) ...International Organisations (Ingo’s, NGO´s, UN, G8)
2.3.2) …Russia
2.3.3) …China
2.3.4) …Europe (Transatlantic Relations)
2.3.5) …Cuba and on Guantanamo
2.3.6) …Africa
2.3.7) …The Middle East:
2.3.7.1) Iraq
2.3.7.2) Iran
2.3.7.3) Israel
2.3.7.4) Afghanistan and Pakistan
2.4) On Terrorism
2.5) Military Plans
3) Personal Opinion
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines and compares the foreign policy perspectives of the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates John McCain, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Barack Obama. The central research question investigates whether these candidates, despite their differing political affiliations, hold significantly distinct foreign policy views or if their outlooks share more fundamental similarities than expected.
- Analysis of climate change, energy security, and environmental policies.
- Evaluation of multilateralism versus unilateralism in future diplomacy.
- Comparison of stances toward key international actors (Russia, China, EU, Middle East).
- Discussion on global security threats, specifically terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
- Assessment of military strategies and the role of the U.S. in international affairs.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1) On Environment & Natural Resources
Contrary to the Bush Administration, who e.g. refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, all candidates see the need to address global climate change and consider the dependence on foreign oil an important challenge. Of whatever party, the candidates propose to take any possible step to prevent global warming and oil supply deficits. They want to make the United States more independent from foreign oil imports by exploring new technologies of energy extraction and consumption, by exploring alternative sources of energy and by expanding the use of renewable energies. All candidates agree that the United States cannot resolve these problems on its own, but only in cooperation with other nations. As e.g. Obama said, “I will invest in efficient and clean technologies at home while using our assistance policies and export promotions to help developing countries leapfrog the carbon-energy-intensive stage of development.” Further, he “supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050”.
John McCain thinks that “nuclear power is a proven, zero-emission source of energy, and it is time we recommit to advancing our use of nuclear power”6. Therefore he intends to build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030, with the ultimate goal of eventually constructing 100 new Plants7. Obama admits that “nuclear power represents more than 70 percent of our no carbon generated electricity. It is unlikely that we can meet our aggressive climate goals if we eliminate nuclear power from the table.“. He seems, however, to be more conscious of the risks posed by nuclear power and declares, in opposition to McCain, that “(…) there are still significant questions about whether nuclear waste can be safely stored (...)”8, which is why “(…) there is no future for expanded nuclear without first addressing four key issues: public right-to-know, security of nuclear fuel and waste, waste storage, and proliferation”9. So he wants to “develop requirements to ensure that the waste stored at current reactor sites is contained using the most advanced dry-cask storage technology available”.10
Summary of Chapters
1) Introduction: An overview of the historical context of the 2008 U.S. presidential election, highlighting the desire for "change" and the backgrounds of the main candidates.
2.1) On Environment & Natural Resources: Discusses the candidates' shared commitment to climate action and their varying approaches to energy independence, particularly concerning nuclear power.
2.2) On Future Diplomacy: Examines the shift from the unilateralism of the Bush era toward a more multilateral approach advocated by all three candidates.
2.3) On Relationship to…: Details the candidates' specific foreign policy stances toward international organizations, Russia, China, Europe, Cuba, Africa, and the Middle East conflict.
2.4) On Terrorism: Explores the focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan as central fronts in the fight against terrorism and the importance of nuclear non-proliferation.
2.5) Military Plans: Compares the candidates' views on the necessity of military modernization and the role of the armed forces in a comprehensive foreign policy strategy.
3) Personal Opinion: Reflects on the findings, noting the surprising similarities in viewpoints and expressing a personal preference for diplomatic solutions over military power.
Keywords
Foreign Policy, U.S. Election 2008, John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Multilateralism, Climate Change, Nuclear Energy, Terrorism, Middle East, Diplomacy, Iraq, Russia, International Relations, National Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this term paper?
The paper focuses on the foreign policy perspectives of the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, specifically looking for differences in emphasis and similarities in their overall outlook.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
Key themes include international climate and energy policy, diplomatic strategies, relations with major powers like Russia and China, the war in Iraq, policies toward the Middle East, and counter-terrorism measures.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary objective is to analyze whether the candidates hold significantly different views on foreign affairs or if their platforms converge in meaningful ways despite party lines.
Which scientific methods are used to gather information?
The author relies on comparative analysis of official candidate statements, speeches, and policy documents from the 2008 campaign, supported by current affairs literature.
What does the main body of the paper address?
The main body breaks down specific policy areas, such as energy, diplomacy, regional conflicts (Iraq, Iran, Israel), and military planning, to compare the candidates' proposed approaches.
What keywords best characterize this research?
The work is characterized by terms such as Foreign Policy, U.S. Elections, Multilateralism, Geopolitics, and International Security.
How does the paper view John McCain’s stance on Russia compared to the Democrats?
The author notes that McCain takes a much tougher, almost "Cold War-like" stance toward Russia, whereas the Democrats emphasize the need for diplomatic engagement and cooperation, especially concerning nuclear materials.
Why is the issue of nuclear power a point of contention between the candidates?
While all acknowledge energy challenges, McCain advocates for a significant expansion of nuclear energy as a clean source, while Obama, though not ruling it out, emphasizes the significant risks associated with nuclear waste management and proliferation.
What role does the author envision for the U.S. in global affairs according to this paper?
The author argues for a transition toward a more multilateral approach, suggesting that the U.S. should lead by acting as a "good role model" rather than relying purely on unilateral military strength.
- Quote paper
- Bernadette-Julia Felsch (Author), 2008, The differing foreign policy perspectives of Senators John McCain, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/124413
