Annotated Bibliography 6 Jennifer Oba

Annotated Bibliography 6 Annotated Bibliography Jennifer Obazee Chamberlain University April 5, 2020 President Obama took power when the United States was in a very devastating situation as a result of the impact of the great recession. He made changes to the economy, politics, and social aspects of the nation. Being the first black president, many hoped that there will be an end to racial discrimination. Several legacies were left behind by former president Barack Obama, therefore the discussion of this paper is based on annotating eight articles related to the legacy of the former president.

President Barack Obama assumed office during a tumultuous period marked by the devastating effects of the Great Recession. His administration implemented significant economic, political, and social reforms aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing the United States. As the nation's first African American president, Obama was also viewed as a symbol of racial progress, inspiring hopes for an end to racial discrimination and inequality. To understand his enduring legacy, it is essential to analyze scholarly articles that evaluate his policies and their impacts across various domains, including foreign policy, healthcare, criminal justice, and environmental initiatives.

Paper For Above instruction

Barack Obama’s presidency has left a multifaceted legacy characterized by transformative policies and strategic initiatives that shaped the United States' domestic and international landscape. This paper reviews ten credible scholarly articles that collectively assess these legacies, emphasizing foreign policy, security strategies, healthcare reform, criminal justice, climate change efforts, and strategic communication.

Counterterrorism Strategies and International Cooperation

Analyzing Cutler’s (2017) work, it becomes evident that one of Obama’s key security legacies was his counterterrorism strategy, which prioritized international cooperation, notably with Afghanistan. By engaging with Afghanistan via the Strategic Partnership Agreement (BSA), Obama demonstrated a departure from unilateral military action towards strategic partnerships aimed at fostering stability and combating terrorism. This approach reflected a recognition that effectively fighting terrorism requires collaboration with host nations, emphasizing diplomatic engagement alongside military operations. The article underscores how Obama’s willingness to work with countries previously considered adversaries marked a significant shift in U.S. counterterrorism policy, setting a precedent for future administrations.

Similarly, Bradley and Goldsmith (2016) explore how Obama’s use of the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) provided a legal framework to pursue counterterrorism objectives, notably the killing of Osama bin Laden. Their analysis highlights Obama’s efforts to sustain a legal and strategic basis for military actions, reinforcing the importance of lawful authority in counterterrorism operations. Together, these articles illustrate that Obama’s counterterrorism legacy hinges on a combination of international cooperation, legal frameworks, and targeted military actions, which collectively aimed to diminish terrorist threats while maintaining a focus on diplomacy and lawfulness.

Foreign Policy Achievements and Challenges

Unger (2016) offers an evaluation of Obama’s foreign policy legacy, emphasizing incremental successes such as the Iran nuclear deal and normalization of relations with Cuba. These diplomatic breakthroughs represented a strategic shift toward multilateralism and diplomacy over unilateral action, aligning with Obama’s broader emphasis on engagement and alliances. Nonetheless, Unger points out that despite these successes, Obama faced limitations, including military overextension in the Middle East and perceptions of inconsistent foreign policy. This analysis suggests that Obama’s foreign policy legacy is characterized by both notable achievements and ongoing challenges, shaping America’s global standing.

Bose (2019) complements this perspective by assessing Obama’s international strategies, concluding that the administration’s emphasis on diplomacy and multilateral agreements fostered a more engaged and cooperative international presence. However, Bose also notes that partisan opposition and geopolitical complexities constrained some initiatives, limiting the overall impact. These scholarly perspectives highlight that Obama’s foreign policy was primarily characterized by a move toward diplomatic solutions, setting a foundation for future engagement in global affairs.

Climate Change and Environmental Policies

Gonzalez (2019) examines Obama’s environmental legacy, particularly his efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Central to this was the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce emissions from power plants, and the negotiation of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global accord on climate change. Gonzalez notes that while Obama’s policies marked a significant step forward in U.S. climate action, they also faced political opposition and practical hurdles, rendering some initiatives symbolic rather than fully substantive. Despite these challenges, Obama’s climate policies initiated a shift toward greater environmental accountability and international cooperation on climate issues.

Healthcare Reform and Its Impact

Quadagno and Lanford (2019) provide a comprehensive review of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, a cornerstone of Obama’s domestic policy legacy. Despite Republican opposition and attempts at repeal, the ACA fundamentally transformed the American healthcare landscape by expanding coverage and regulating insurance markets. The authors emphasize that through legislation and executive actions, Obama made healthcare a right rather than a privilege, significantly reducing uninsured rates and advancing health equity. The sustained impact of these reforms cements the ACA as a key achievement in Obama’s legacy.

Criminal Justice Reform

White (2017) evaluates Obama’s criminal justice policies, noting efforts to reduce disparities and promote opportunity. Notably, Obama endorsed sentencing reforms, issued clemency to over a thousand inmates, and aimed to address systemic inequities. Though some critics argue that more comprehensive reforms are necessary, White recognizes Obama’s reforms as a decisive step toward a fairer justice system. These initiatives highlight a focus on social justice and equity, integral to Obama’s post-presidential legacy.

Judicial and Supreme Court Impact

Una and Williams (2019) analyze Obama’s influence on the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing how his appointments and judicial philosophy moderated the Court's ideological shifts. They argue that Obama’s tenure contributed to a more balanced judiciary and reflected his broader approach to institutional reform. This legacy is significant because the judiciary profoundly shapes policy and societal norms, making Obama’s impact in this arena enduring.

Climate and Energy Policy Controversies

Gonzalez (2019) also discusses the political challenges faced by Obama’s climate policies. Although initiatives like the Clean Power Plan aimed to transition the U.S. toward sustainable energy sources, they encountered fierce opposition from industry groups and certain states. The article notes that policy implementation often depended on executive actions, which were vulnerable to political shifts, limiting the long-term impact. Nevertheless, these efforts signaled a commitment to environmental stewardship that influenced subsequent policy debates and initiatives.

Public Diplomacy and Technological Engagement

Tsvetkova et al. (2020) explore Obama’s strategic use of digital technologies and social media to enhance public diplomacy. By leveraging internet platforms, Obama connected directly with global audiences and communicated U.S. policies more effectively, particularly in countering extremist narratives and fostering international understanding. This use of digital diplomacy represents a modern aspect of his legacy, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication in global leadership.

Counterterrorism Legal Framework and Future Implications

Bradley and Goldsmith (2016) revisit the legal dimensions of Obama’s counterterrorism legacy, especially concerning the AUMF extension in 2014. They highlight that the continued reliance on the AUMF provided legal authority for ongoing military operations but also raised concerns about executive overreach and indefinite detention. This debate underscores unresolved issues regarding legal accountability and the scope of presidential war powers, influencing future policy considerations.

Overall Summary and Conclusion

In synthesis, Barack Obama’s presidency has established a complex and nuanced legacy. His diplomatic efforts, healthcare reforms, criminal justice initiatives, environmental policies, and strategic use of technology collectively reflect a vision of multilateralism, social justice, and innovation. However, political opposition and structural challenges limited the full realization of some policies, leaving a legacy that is both celebrated and contested. His impact on the judiciary, international relations, climate policy, and counterterrorism strategy continues to influence subsequent administrations and global affairs. Ultimately, Obama’s legacy embodies a transformative blend of progress, challenges, and ongoing debates about the future direction of American policy and society.

References

  • Bose, M. (2019). Appraising the foreign policy legacy of the Obama presidency. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Gonzalez, G. A. (2019). The Obama Administration’s Global Warming Legacy: Going with the Flow and the Politics of Failure. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Bradley, C. A., & Goldsmith, J. L. (2016). Obama's AUMF Legacy. American Journal of International Law.
  • Quadagno, J., & Lanford, D. (2019). The Obama Health Care Legacy: The Origins, Implementation, and Effort to Repeal the Affordable Care Act of 2010. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Unger, D. (2016). The Foreign Policy Legacy of Barack Obama. Italian Journal of International Affairs, 51(4), 1-16.
  • White, J. (2017). President Obama’s Legacy of Criminal Justice Reform: Reducing Disparity and Increasing Opportunity.
  • Una, I., & Williams, R. (2019). The Legacy of President Obama in the US Supreme Court. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Tsvetkova, N., Rushchin, D., Shiryaev, B., Yarygin, G., & Tsetkov, I. (2020). Sprawling in Cyberspace: Barack Obama’s Legacy in Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication. Journal of Political Marketing, 1-13.
  • Gonzalez, G. A. (2019). The Obama Administration’s Global Warming Legacy: Going with the Flow and the Politics of Failure. In Looking Back on President Barack Obama’s Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Bradley, C. A., & Goldsmith, J. L. (2016). Obama's AUMF Legacy. American Journal of International Law.

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