The Bush administration's foreign policy before 9/11 prioritized unilateralism and asserting U.S. power globally. They focused on national security, 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

• Prioritized unilateralism asserting U.S. power and interests globally
  • Acted independently rather than through international institutions (United Nations) or alliances (NATO)
• 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 (free trade)
• Skeptical of international agreements and institutions
  • Viewed as potential constraints on U.S. sovereignty and freedom of action

Unilateralism in international relations

• Rejected Kyoto Protocol on climate change
  • Argued it would harm U.S. economy and was unfair to developed countries (United States, Europe)
• Withdrew from Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty
  • Claimed it hindered development of national missile defense system
• Opposed International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • 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 "rogue states" (North Korea, Iran)
• Raised concerns among allies and other nations
  • Feared triggering new arms race and undermining strategic stability
  • Worried about implications for existing arms control agreements (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 Clinton administration's foreign policy
  • Greater emphasis on unilateralism and use of military power under Bush
  • Less focus on multilateralism, diplomacy, and humanitarian interventions (Balkans)
• 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 "coalitions of the willing" to address specific challenges (Proliferation Security Initiative)
• 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 Iraq War)

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