Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2011

Practicing progressive pragmatism: Charting Barack Obama's course for U.S. foreign policy

Charly Salonius-Pasternak

March 2011

Finnish Institute for International Affairs

Abstract

A little more than two years into his first administration President Barack Obama has faced more foreign policy crises and challenges than almost any of his predecessors. These events have tested his leadership, and given both detractors and supporters numerous opportunities to assess his approach to foreign policy. The crises have also highlighted the breadth of foreign policy experience that President Obama can take advantage of in his administration; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Vice-president Joe Biden are particularly noteworthy in this respect.