I think it is safe to say our new President received a baptism-by-fire in European diplomacy this past week. He learned how intransigent and individualistic the French and the Germans can be. In fairness to the French and the Germans, after what they have experienced in American leadership and diplomacy the last eight years, they are immediately on guard and suspicious of American leadership. They are used to principles set in concrete by Bush and Company from which there are no compromises, and the lectures on democracy that go with them. By taking a rational and listening position, Barack Obama struck a new and welcome note and opened the door to interchanges among the leaders to forge a new alliance based on mutual needs.
When you have a meeting of EU heads-of-state and the other G-20 leaders, you have a collision of egos, all making appropriate soundbites to satisfy their regional constituentcies and to make personal impressions on the world stage. In this atmosphere, our President struck the right posture of modesty and showing a new American attitude of global cooperation and interests. It is welcomed on the world stage.
No, he didn't get the stimulus commitment from the other world powers he had wanted, but, realistically, I don't really think he expected them to agree readily to such packages in view of the deep anger and suspicion about the bank and Wall St. crises and toxic messes so prevalent around the world. Timing is everything, and he has at least struck the right posture for future discussions and opportunities to persuade, especially when you are trusted by the people you are trying to persuade.
The New York Times, in an article a few days ago, commented how the old days of Pax Americana and Pax Britannica setting the standards and policies of the world order are over. And maybe that's not such a bad thing, as interrelated the world is today and the necessity for greater cooperation on so many fronts for so many countries. We need to pay attention and listen to each other.
Mind you, I still think America has to be a leader. But, as the more enlightened international C.E.O.s have known for some time, you can lead and still listen to your people and be receptive to new ideas that are not your own. Barack Obama has that opportunity now. With patience, understanding and civility, he can establish himself as that leader and, we all hope fervently, lead the world into a new era of peace and growth. Oh, brave new world---I hope.
As a Political Science Major and incidentally the writer's son, my view is the following. One, the United States have a history of interference and bluntness. Some European call arrogance. True, we happen to be a nation of elected officials with a the least eighty percent with law degrees. A law degree is defined as the following. Someone who has studies law as an advance degree, had the policies, facts and precedents presented to them, able to form a logical and concise opinion. Also once completed a degree is granted with a diploma but in tiny microscopic letters, a minor in arrogance!
ReplyDeleteThere is no real logic in government it a group of legislators, mostly allied a to a particular party vying for their method of thinking and ideology. Started out this way and will be this way in United States until we realize we have to share a world's opine. Barrack Obama knows this that why he is going to succeed. He knows the Senate and the House, He has the good advisors and he is willing this is the key to listen to all views.
I think he has shown the Euro's that the U.S. is willing to lead but will not arrogantly dictate any longer.
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