Global Security Newswire

U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday articulated a revised national security doctrine aimed at advancing democratic ideas and forging a new "international order" rooted in cooperation, the Washington Post reported (see GSN, Dec. 9, 2008).

The strategy, described in a commencement speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, appeared intended to establish a distinction from the doctrine of the Bush administration, which was widely seen to have valued unilateralism over collaboration with other countries. Obama has often referred to the need to improve Washington's ties with the international community, according to the Post.

"Yes, we are clear-eyed about the shortfalls of our international system. But America has not succeeded by stepping outside the currents of international cooperation," Obama said. "We have succeeded by steering those currents in the direction of liberty and justice -- so nations thrive by meeting their responsibilities, and face consequences when they don't."

Cooperation is key to addressing the financial, military and ecological threats facing the world, Obama asserted.

"The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times," he said. "Countering violent extremism and insurgency; stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials; combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth; helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick; preventing conflict and healing its wounds" (Michael Shear, Washington Post, May 23).