14.3 Foreign Policy Pre-9/11: Unilateralism and Missile Defense
4 min read•july 22, 2024
The Bush administration's foreign policy before 9/11 prioritized and asserting U.S. power globally. They focused on , promoting democracy and free markets, while being skeptical of international agreements that could limit American sovereignty.
This approach marked a shift from previous administrations, emphasizing military power over diplomacy. The Bush team withdrew from treaties, proposed controversial missile defense systems, and strained relationships with allies, setting the stage for significant changes after 9/11.
Bush Administration's Foreign Policy Before 9/11
Bush foreign policy before 9/11
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- Prioritized unilateralism asserting U.S. power and interests globally
- Acted independently rather than through international institutions () or alliances ()
- Focused on national security and defense
- Protected U.S. homeland and interests abroad
- Promoted democracy and free markets worldwide
- Encouraged spread of democratic values (free elections) and capitalist economic systems ()
- Skeptical of international agreements and institutions
- Viewed as potential constraints on U.S. sovereignty and freedom of action
Unilateralism in international relations
- Rejected on climate change
- Argued it would harm U.S. economy and was unfair to developed countries (United States, Europe)
- Withdrew from
- Claimed it hindered development of national
- Opposed
- Concerned about potential politically motivated prosecutions of U.S. officials and military personnel
- Favored unilateral foreign policy decision-making
- Acted independently or with ad hoc coalitions rather than through established alliances (NATO) or institutions (United Nations)
National missile defense controversy
- Proposed comprehensive missile defense system
- Aimed to protect U.S. from ballistic missile attacks by "" (North Korea, Iran)
- Raised concerns among allies and other nations
- Feared triggering new arms race and undermining
- Worried about implications for existing (ABM Treaty) and non-proliferation regime
- Increased tension with Russia and China
- Viewed as threat to their nuclear deterrents and strategic interests
- Led to increased mistrust and diplomatic friction
- Debated technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness
- Critics argued technology was unproven and system could be easily overwhelmed or circumvented
Departure from previous administrations
- Contrasted with 's foreign policy
- Greater emphasis on unilateralism and use of military power under Bush
- Less focus on multilateralism, diplomacy, and humanitarian interventions ()
- Maintained continuity with long-standing U.S. foreign policy goals
- Promoted American interests, values (democracy), and security
- Engaged with key allies and partners (United Kingdom, Japan), despite unilateralist tendencies
- Diverged in approach to specific issues and regions
- Took hardline stance towards "rogue states" (Iraq, Iran, North Korea)
- Reduced emphasis on Israeli-Palestinian peace process compared to Clinton
- Overall, mixed continuity and change
- Maintained core U.S. foreign policy objectives but with more assertive and unilateralist approach
- Set stage for significant shifts in response to 9/11 attacks
International Relations and Alliances
Bush foreign policy before 9/11
- Emphasized strengthening ties with traditional allies
- Particularly in Europe (United Kingdom) and Asia (Japan)
- Pursued strategic partnerships with key countries
- Cultivated closer relations with India, Pakistan, and Russia
- Selectively engaged in multilateral institutions and agreements
- Participated in forums like G8 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
- Sought to shape agenda and outcomes in line with U.S. interests
- Focused on regional stability and conflict resolution
- Worked to reduce tensions on Korean Peninsula and between India and Pakistan
- Continued U.S. involvement in Balkans and other peacekeeping missions
Unilateralism in international relations
- Preferred bilateral agreements and ad hoc coalitions
- Pursued trade deals and security arrangements with individual countries
- Formed "" to address specific challenges ()
- Skeptical of binding multilateral commitments
- Resisted agreements that could limit U.S. sovereignty or constrain actions
- Emphasized preserving flexibility and freedom of action in foreign policy
- Selectively engaged with United Nations
- Used UN Security Council to build support for U.S. objectives (sanctions on Iraq)
- But also bypassed UN when seen as obstacle (lead-up to )
National missile defense controversy
- Raised concerns among European allies
- Feared U.S. missile defense system could decouple American and European security
- Worried about impact on arms control and relations with Russia
- Drew objections from Russia and China
- Saw as threat to their nuclear deterrents and strategic stability
- Argued it could trigger new arms race and undermine existing arms control agreements (ABM Treaty)
- Prompted efforts to address allied concerns and build support
- Consulted with NATO partners and other allies to explain rationale
- Proposed cooperation and information sharing to address common threats
- Strained U.S. diplomatic relations
- Strained ties with some allies and partners, particularly in Europe
- Increased tension and mistrust with Russia and China, complicating cooperation on other issues
Departure from previous administrations
- Compared to George H.W. Bush administration
- Continued emphasis on maintaining strong alliances and partnerships
- But with more unilateralist approach and less focus on multilateral institutions (United Nations)
- Contrasted with Clinton administration
- Less emphasis on humanitarian interventions (Somalia) and nation-building (Haiti) under George W. Bush
- Greater willingness to use military force and act unilaterally to protect U.S. interests
- Maintained elements of continuity in U.S. foreign policy
- Ongoing commitment to key alliances (NATO, U.S.-Japan security treaty)
- Continued engagement in regional security issues and conflict resolution efforts (Middle East peace process)
- Overall, distinct approach reflecting Bush administration's priorities
- Emphasized asserting U.S. power and interests, even if it strained relations with allies
- Set stage for more aggressive and unilateralist foreign policy after 9/11 attacks
Key Terms to Review (19)
Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty: The Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty was a 1972 agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union that limited the deployment of missile defense systems. The treaty aimed to prevent the arms race from escalating by allowing each superpower to maintain only a limited number of ABM systems, thereby encouraging a balance of power and mutual deterrence during the Cold War.
Arms control agreements: Arms control agreements are treaties and pacts between nations aimed at regulating and limiting the development, stockpiling, and deployment of weapons, particularly nuclear arms. These agreements seek to enhance global security and stability by reducing the risk of conflict and the proliferation of arms, which became a critical focus in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and beyond. Their significance grew in the context of escalating tensions between superpowers, prompting various nations to pursue negotiations to prevent arms races and promote disarmament.
Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): The Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to promote free trade and economic cooperation among its 21 member economies across the Asia-Pacific region. APEC aims to enhance economic growth, improve trade relations, and foster sustainable development through dialogue, collaboration, and initiatives among its members. The organization's approach reflects a commitment to multilateralism and regional integration, which were particularly significant in the context of foreign policy prior to the events of September 11, 2001.
Balkans: The Balkans is a region in Southeast Europe characterized by a diverse mix of cultures, languages, and religions. Historically significant due to its geopolitical importance, the Balkans were often a focal point for conflict and tension, especially during the Cold War and the events leading up to and following the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. This region's complex history directly influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding unilateral actions and missile defense strategies.
Clinton Administration: The Clinton Administration refers to the presidency of Bill Clinton, who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. This period was marked by a focus on economic prosperity, social issues, and an evolving foreign policy that emphasized multilateralism and diplomacy, especially prior to the events of September 11, 2001.
Coalitions of the Willing: Coalitions of the Willing refers to a group of countries that come together to take collective action, often in military or diplomatic efforts, without the explicit authorization of larger international bodies like the United Nations. This concept gained prominence in the early 21st century, especially during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, where several nations joined forces with the U.S. to support its objectives. These coalitions highlight the trend of unilateralism in foreign policy, where countries opt for a more flexible and less formal alliance structure to achieve their goals.
Democracy Promotion: Democracy promotion refers to the efforts by governments, organizations, or movements to encourage and support the establishment and development of democratic governance in other countries. This includes advocating for free and fair elections, the rule of law, human rights, and civil society engagement. In the context of foreign policy, especially prior to significant global events, democracy promotion often intersected with unilateralism and missile defense strategies, reflecting a belief that promoting democracy could lead to a more stable and peaceful world order.
Free trade: Free trade is an economic policy that allows goods and services to be traded across international borders with minimal government intervention, such as tariffs or quotas. This concept promotes the idea that trade should occur without restrictions, enabling countries to specialize in producing goods they can make most efficiently. Free trade is often connected to economic globalization and has implications for foreign relations and economic strategies.
International Criminal Court (ICC): The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It was created by the Rome Statute in 1998 and aims to ensure accountability for the most serious offenses, promoting justice at a global level. Its establishment reflects a shift towards multilateralism in international relations, which contrasts with earlier unilateral approaches prevalent in foreign policy discussions before significant events like 9/11.
Iraq War: The Iraq War refers to the military conflict that began in March 2003 when the United States, along with coalition forces, invaded Iraq. This war was primarily justified by the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and had links to terrorist groups, particularly in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The conflict had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, highlighting trends of unilateralism and a shift toward preemptive military action.
Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. It represents a key element in global climate policy and underscores the shift toward multilateral cooperation on environmental issues, even amid a landscape often characterized by unilateral actions in foreign policy.
Missile defense system: A missile defense system is a technology and strategy designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their intended targets. This concept became a significant aspect of national security policy in the United States, particularly during the Cold War and post-Cold War era, as fears of nuclear missile attacks prompted the development of various defense initiatives aimed at protecting the homeland.
National Security: National security refers to the protection of a nation's borders, territories, and interests against external threats, including military aggression, espionage, and terrorism. It encompasses a wide range of strategies, policies, and measures that governments implement to ensure the safety and stability of their citizens and infrastructure, often influencing foreign policy decisions. In the context of U.S. history, national security has been a driving force behind military interventions, defense spending, and diplomatic relations, shaping how the nation responds to perceived threats.
NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established in 1949, designed for mutual defense against aggression, particularly during the Cold War. It connects North American and European countries through a commitment to collective security, shaping various aspects of international relations and military strategies throughout its history.
Proliferation Security Initiative: The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is an international effort launched in 2003 to stop the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. It promotes cooperation among nations to interdict shipments of WMD-related materials and technologies, enhancing global security. This initiative reflects a shift in foreign policy toward a more proactive stance against potential threats, connecting closely with concepts like unilateralism and missile defense strategies that were prominent before 9/11.
Rogue States: Rogue states are nations that are perceived to violate international norms and threaten global security through aggressive actions, often involving the development of weapons of mass destruction. These states frequently disregard the principles of diplomacy and international law, leading to heightened tensions with other countries, particularly the United States. The concept of rogue states became increasingly significant in shaping foreign policy strategies focused on unilateralism and missile defense before the events of September 11, 2001.
Strategic stability: Strategic stability refers to a state of international relations where countries maintain a balance of military power, minimizing the likelihood of nuclear conflict or escalation. It involves the assurance that no state can gain a decisive advantage over others, fostering a secure environment where countries are less likely to resort to nuclear weapons. This concept connects to various foreign policy approaches, especially regarding missile defense and unilateral actions that may disrupt the equilibrium.
Unilateralism: Unilateralism is a foreign policy approach where a country acts independently and makes decisions without seeking consensus or cooperation from other nations. This strategy often emphasizes national interests and self-reliance over multilateral agreements or alliances. In the context of international relations, unilateralism can lead to tensions with other countries and may challenge established norms of diplomacy.
United Nations: The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Established after World War II, its mission includes addressing global issues like human rights, international conflict resolution, and humanitarian aid, aiming to prevent another catastrophic global conflict. The UN has played a significant role in shaping post-war foreign policy and facilitating dialogue between nations during times of tension.