What is American Foreign Policy?

If you are trying to understand the Obama administration's foreign policy, you must read The Consequentialist by Ryan Lizza  here. Lizza, no arch-conservative, but rather a supporter of liberal causes as a writer for the New Yorker, explains that Obama had no foreign policy experience before running for Senate. Obama read the right books and hired talented people from previous Democratic administrations to help him craft his policy. His views wavered between "realism," acting when American interests are at stake, and supporting human rights irrespective of America's international interests.

Lizza argues that Obama has no coherent policy and manages by the seat of his pants, following trends rather than leading them. Sometimes he's a realist, staying out of civil strife in African countries, sometimes he's a late supporter of democracies such as elements of the Arab Spring, opposing authoritarian regimes. In sharp contrast to a Truman or a Reagan, no one really knows where he stands, and he makes decisions after the dust has settled and Britain and France have already acted.

Obama's style (or lack of one) makes it difficult for foreign diplomats to know what the United States desires. For example, does Obama wish to increase the tempo of arms control agreements? Certainly, Obama does not want to be limited during disarmament negotiations with the Russians by having to defend his evolving views before an election. Nor does he want to work with a hostile Congress as shown by the recent "hot mic" gaffe (here).

I personally would trust a politician more if I could predict his behavior.