After reading President Obama's speech,
- identify his position(s) with regard to International Relations theories;
- discuss what kind of power (s) the United States intends to use to achieve its goal for new relationship with the Arab World.
Friday, June 5, 2009
President Obama's Cairo Speech on 6/4/2009
US President Obama made an important speech on the US-Muslim World relationship in Cario on June 4, 2009 (see the text and video from CBS http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/04/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5062450.shtml).
After reading President Obama's speech,
After reading President Obama's speech,
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Obama’s speech in Cairo fit very well into the liberal frame work with the process of contending interests. The interests as Obama states of Islam and the government of the United States are not mutually exclusive. The tides can change, Obama says that, is expediently but over time, like the liberal view. Consequently that liberal view is a cover of realism, Obama talks how the US acts with serious overtones of realisms. His speech has the populist appeal and said, “ progress must be made through partnership”, then immediately afterward he says about tensions that “we must face them squarely”. Saying we must confront extremism because the protection of the nation in the most important, and who could argue with that (the radical view but that’s besides the point).
ReplyDeleteObama uses the liberal view in regards to forging a new relationship with the Muslim world. What we are really talking about is conservative Arab dominated states in the Middle East, respect the sovereignty of nations, but act together in a common goal. The other issue is the connection of the two state solution between Israelis and the Palestinians. He proposes a view that America will not turn their backs on Palestine or Israel, a unifying solution in which is to be led by the United State? “America will align with policies that achieve peace”. It’s a liberal view of international system being applied but the undertones of realism abroad, the speech is not policy just an opening dialogue so in the end the United States uses a Realist model.
Pres Obama himself mentions the Liberalist aspact in his speech as it is very fitting. President Obama talks the need for thereto be dialogue between people of all faiths, creeds, colors, and backgroundsto ensure that peace is attained internationally. He also spoke to the fact that as a result of misconceptions as well as, modernity the middle east missjugde the west as the west misjudges the east for past actions involving terrorism and a history of religious conflict. Obama stated that the regions have many of the same interest at heart and in common. Saying further that as a people(populist)the world community is capable of religious tolerance as he'd seen first hand in other countries like many muslims,christans, and Jewish worship without fears of persecution.
ReplyDeleteThe tone is liberal,populist, and Realist, and until the day education and innovation are really the currency of the future". Several views will dominate.
Jonas Holt
PS 2810
President Obama makes it clear that while there are some citizens in the United States who have a fear and mistrust of Islams, he also rationalizes why there are some people who may feel this way. He recognizes that the Muslim extremists who are responsible for terrorism are a small minority of the whole of Muslims. He admits that some westerners are afraid, but shifts focus to our similarities, perhaps to make westerners more accepting of Muslims, and Muslim more accepting of western culture.
ReplyDeleteThe idea runs with the liberal theory in that it is possible to cooperate, and with some understanding, we can cooperate to improve all. He also recognizes that this type of cooperation will take time, since ill feelings are very deep rooted. President Obama strongly implies that we are most definitely dependent on each other, and because of this interdependence, if we cooperate it will be for the common good. He also blends in a historical approach by bringing up the many great science, math and art discoveries that Islamic countries have provided to the west. He talks about the not so distant history when Morocco recognized the United States as a country. By talking about these times of mutual respect, we can hope to bring about another time of respect among countries and cultures. An understanding would rid both sides of negative stereotypes about the other, and give future generations a more positive global outlook. He also pushes the notion of tolerance about religions, which is highly important in the world today.
President Obama's speech in Cairo definitely follows a liberalist's point of view. The entire beginning of the speech discusses Islam and how cooperation between Islam and the United States of America has always existed and should just become stronger. When addressing the issues, such as the War in Iraq, President Obama made it clear that America was not just protecting it's self-interests, but was concerned about the well being of the country, and region. The U.S. wants a world that is safe for everyone, which is a liberalist view. Obama wants cooperation, because only with cooperation between nations can they move to eradicate things like terrorism.
ReplyDeleteWith this perspective, the only type of power that is really acceptable is soft power, and it seems to be the type of power Obama really wants to use. He wants the Muslim community to be friendly with the United States, and you cannot achieve that with a strong military.
Devvora Olalere
ReplyDeletePS 2810
06/05/09
Obama’s Cairo speech
President Barack Obama’s speech on Cairo fitted very well to the liberal theory of international relations. For liberals, the international system is a process in which multiple interactions occur among different parties and where various actors learn from the interaction.
Mr. Obama said that "America and Islam…share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings." In other words, he tried to unify the Americans and American-Muslims with the Muslims of Middle East and the rest of the world; the goal of his speech was to fight any prejudice against Muslims that connects them with terrorism. As the three Muslim-Americans pointed out; being an American Muslim simply means that they are practicing their religion under an American identity. U.S.A. is the world’s most diverse country, where different people with different cultures have to live and corporate together, therefore as Obama said it is important to respect them. As he stated “They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they've excelled in our sports arenas, they've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch”.
Interestingly, through Obama’s speech we can now see that US is going to use soft power in order to resolve the problems in the Middle East and achieve friendly relationships between Muslims and the US.
Obama's speech fits very well with the liberal theory. He believes that human nature is good and that the muslim community and US can improve their conditions and get along with each other. He says that Muslims and US should not be in competition with one another but instead should have mutual interests and respect towards each other.
ReplyDeleteThe type of power that obama is displaying is soft power. He wants the United States to get along with the Muslim community and to work together to make a stronger America. In his speech, he is trying to get the Muslim community to like US and forget all the problems it has had with the muslim community. He is also making the US warm and inviting to learn about muslim's society by quoting the koran.
Antoinette Golston
ReplyDeletePresident Obama took a stand on his position on International relations and this was vivid in his message, Obama's Cairo Speech.President Obama talked about different levels of tension that has surfaced across the globe, but especially between the western and middle east civilization as we know it. He also talked about the problem that the Middle East is having within it's own territory. "We meet at a great tension"(Obama). Historical tension from the pass is effecting us a state, nation, and a universe. There were view points from Obama that I strongly agreed with and some that I did not exactly agree with. I agreed with Obama about the respect that every human being should have for human rights. It's only right by nature. He also talked about the mistreatment of the Israel people, and how it is their promise land yet know wants to give it to them, what's rightfully their's. It is also important to have respect of soverignty in international relations and apply it to the rule of law.
I also agree with Obama on the notion that this world is facing a religious war. I have read apocalyptic books and I feel as if the future as been predicted. Samuel P. Huntington talks about the Clash of Civilization the new problem which is really not a new problem it has been a problem for centuries but is forever increasing rapidly is a war on religion. Differnt cultures and religions are going to clash. I am a Christian and in Revelations it talks about the world coming to an end. As a society were getting closer to the end. President Obama was not talking about coming closer to an end but, how to solve this problem of religion, culture, Western civilization vs. Middle Eastern Civilization. One thing I did not agree with, and this where his speech seemed a little soft was when he tried to say that you can have it their way and our way.Some times there is only one right way.
I understand that he is trying to promote peace so that everyone can live in harmony but I just do not agree that this possible. Who wouldn't love a perfect world of peace and harmony, this does not exist. I felt that he could have express that freedom of rights is accepted and respected in America. Religion is a touchy situation just like politics, but religion is the issue at stake. You can change political view make up new rules and laws but when it comes to religion you can not alter a thing.
One more thing that I would like to say is that the effort of No Nation Hold Nuclear Weapons is unrealistic.
Obama's speech seems to have a heavy liberal influence. In it, he stresses cooperation and tolerance. Consistent with liberal thinking, which sees change as desirable, Obama's outreach to the Muslim world may be a sign that U.S foreign policy is changing. Before he even began to speak, he said thank you to the crowd in Arabic, setting the tone for what was to come. In it, he emphasized the things that Muslims and non-Muslim Americans have in common instead of their differences. He also pointed out that being American and being Muslim are not two exclusive things. By sharing this view, Obama is promoting the “international society” that liberalism envisions.
ReplyDeleteObama appears to be pursuing a Middle East policy that uses the power of ideas and influence, rather than force and intimidation. At the same time, he did make it clear that terrorism will not be tolerated, taking time to distinguish between extremists and the moderate Muslim majority. By addressing the issue of Israeli settlements being built on Palestinian land, he touched on a topic that is very important to many Muslims. I think this is an effective way of making American values more acceptable in societies where they haven’t previously been accepted. When people don’t associate America with the Israeli occupation, the U.S can use the power of influence much more effectively.
Brent Stapleton
ReplyDeleteObama is using a liberal approach. He wants to use diplomacy in regards of international relations instead of threats of force. In his speech he stresses that people of different faiths, races, ideology, etc. need to tolerate one another in order to achieve peace.
To me this is stating the obvious. I agree with Obama's view on international relations--we should always try a liberal approach before we use force--however, is world peace achievable? Throughout human history racism and intolerance of cultures and countries have occurred. Will this ever end? Is Obama being to optimistic?