The main concept of realism to be seen within these statements is the importance of security of the state as well as self-help, because no other state can be fully relied upon to come to their aid. (Baylis, 101-102). When it came time for Obama to address the possible timeline issues with the mission in Afghanistan, Obama spreads his realist wings and says that the nation he is most interested in developing and building is “his own,” and thus a timeline as short as eighteen months is needed. (Obama, West Point Speech). This is possibly the most blatant indication of realism, because of the self-centered implications that are essential to the realist ideology.
Liberalism Shines Through:
Perhaps one of the most liberal statements within the entire speech was made towards the very end. “We'll have to use diplomacy, because no one nation can meet the challenges of an interconnected world acting alone.” (Obama, West Point Speech). In a single sentence, Obama underlines a few key principles of the liberal ideology. First of all, the admission that diplomacy is in order is suggestive of the fact that cooperation is indeed possible. This is in strict contrast with the realist perspective, where cooperation is not possible because every state is out for itself, and itself only. Secondly, the world is described as ‘interconnected,’ implying that it is not an anarchic international system as realists would have us believe, but a system where states are connected not only on a political level, but various other levels such as economic ones. (Baylis, 112-115).
With regards to being ‘interconnected,’ the speech constantly alludes to the importance of cooperation between nations. “This burden is not ours alone to bear. This is not just America's war.” (Obama, West Point Speech). Cooperation is one of the focal points within liberalism, setting it apart from realism. In addition, Obama shuts down the comparison between the mission in Afghanistan and the war in Vietnam on the grounds that this time there are 43 nations that stand behind and cooperate with the U.S.
In connection with cooperation, another facet of liberalism, the concept of transnational actors, can be seen within the speech. Obama mentions NATO, and the support that the U.S. has so far received and will undoubtedly receive “in the next couple of days and weeks.” (Obama, West Point Speech). Unlike realists, liberals acknowledge the effects of transnational organizations such as NATO. (Baylis, 115). Similarly, realists believe that war occurs as a product of anarchy, due to there being no common power above that of the state. (Baylis, 99). However, when one reviews the intentions and reasons, such as stabilizing the country in order to have a partnership, that Obama had for sending more troops to Afghanistan, they appear as those of a liberal nature.
Contradictions:
Although it seems as if realism and liberalism could never meld together peacefully, Obama has done an excellent job at juggling the two. As it seems, the concepts of liberalism are the ones that are most pronounced in the West Point speech, with a focus on interdependence, cooperation, and the recognition of international organizations. The most prominent facet of realism that can be seen is tied to security. However, the notions of liberalism far outweigh those of the realist perspective.
In terms of constructivism, the only way this theory can really apply is when Obama talks about “a broad coalition of 43 nations that recognizes the legitimacy” of the mission in Afghanistan. (Obama, West Point Speech). Of course, the very word ‘legitimacy’ is based on socially constructed norms that result in becoming widely accepted. Constructivist theories are mainly occupied with how ideas change the international system, and how this system outlines the interests and identities of nations. (Baylis, 168) However, with regards to the majority of the aspects of the speech, the theory of constructivism is much too airy and impractical to be useful.
In Conclusion:
“America, our allies and the world were acting as one to destroy al Qaeda’s terrorist network and to protect our common security.” (Obama, West Point Speech). In this statement, the realist and liberal perspectives are shown side by side; the needs for security and cooperation intertwined into one. As was made clear, the liberal ideology is the one that is most apparent in the West Point speech, with hints of realism mixed in. Constructivism, however, has little place within the address due to it being mainly a social theory instead of a substantive one. Overall, Obama aims for an end to the conflict in Afghanistan, as long as security is maintained and cooperation is achieved.
Bibliography:
Textbook:
Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens. The Globalization of World Politics. 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.
West Point Speech:
"President Obama on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan." White House Government Website. Web. 20 Jan 2010. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-obama-way-forward-afghanistan-and-pakistan>.
