Part 2 25 Points After You've Posted Your Three Questions Pl ✓ Solved

Part 2 25 Pointsafter Youve Posted Your Three Questions Please Ret

Part 2 (2.5 points) After you've posted your three questions please return to the discussion and for the final two points respond and answer to another student's question they wrote in Part 1. You do this by clicking "reply" on the students original post. DUE BY SUNDAY AT NOON. Why was free trade important to Clinton in terms of the advancement of America? Extra Credit I: Obama (Up to 2.5 points) For up to 2.5 points read the document and write a robust paragraph answering the questions I pose below. Document43: Obama, Speech in Cairo (2009) How did President Barack Obama challenge his predecessors' vision on foreign policy (especially George W. Bush)? What is the role of America in the world? Why do you think he chose to give this speech, his first major speech abroad, in Cairo? Extra Credit II: Trump (Up to 2.5 points) For up to 2.5 points read the document and write a robust paragraph answering the questions I pose below. Document 44: Trump, Inaugural Speech (2017) What is the main message of President Donald Trump's inaugural address? What does he mean by "American carnage?" What is the role of America in the world and how was he challenging his predecessors (especially Barack Obama)?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The discussion of U.S. presidents' foreign policy speeches provides insight into how each leader perceives America's role in the world and their unique strategies for advancing national interests. Analyzing speeches from Barack Obama and Donald Trump reveals contrasting visions and priorities, reflecting broader political ideologies and approach to international relations.

President Barack Obama's Speech in Cairo (2009)

In his historic speech in Cairo, President Barack Obama aimed to reset America's relationship with the Muslim world and challenge the policies of his predecessors, particularly George W. Bush. Obama emphasized diplomacy, mutual respect, and the importance of engaging with diverse cultures and nations. He questioned the unilateral approach and military interventions that characterized earlier policies, advocating instead for dialogue and cooperation (Obama, 2009). By choosing Cairo for his first major foreign speech, Obama signaled a desire to rebuild trust and promote a new paradigm of diplomacy rooted in shared interests and mutual understanding.

Obama's vision of America's role in the world was characterized by a commitment to soft power, diplomacy, and engagement with international institutions. He sought to redefine America's image, emphasizing moral responsibility and global partnership rather than dominance (Kull, 2010). This approach contrasted sharply with the more confrontational strategies of Bush, who prioritized military interventions to combat terrorism, often at the expense of diplomacy.

The rationale behind giving the speech in Cairo was symbolic; it represented a bridge to the Muslim world and aimed to foster understanding and cooperation. Obama’s tone was conciliatory, addressing issues like democracy, economic development, and the fight against extremism. His emphasis on respect and partnership marked a departure from earlier policies that relied heavily on military solutions (Coughlin & Lippman, 2009).

President Donald Trump's Inaugural Address (2017)

In Donald Trump's inaugural speech, the central message was a pledge to prioritize American interests above all and to restore national sovereignty. Trump declared that the previous administrations had undermined America's greatness, often referring to "American carnage" as a metaphor for the economic and social decline he perceived in the country (Trump, 2017). By invoking this imagery, Trump aimed to rally patriotic sentiment and justify a shift away from previous policies.

Trump's view of America's role was transactional, emphasizing the importance of strong borders, economic protectionism, and renegotiation of international agreements. He challenged the globalist approach of Obama and others by asserting that America would no longer be the world's police but would focus on domestic rebuilding and self-interest (Friedman & McCurry, 2017). His characterization of "American carnage" reflected his belief that previous policies had led to chaos and that a new direction was necessary for national revival.

This speech marked a significant departure from Obama's diplomatic outreach and multilateralism. Trump emphasized America First and a skepticism of international organizations and agreements, signaling a more unilateral and nationalist approach to foreign policy. His challenge to his predecessors was rooted in a desire to prioritize American sovereignty and economic interests, even if that meant leaving behind traditional alliances.

Conclusion

The speeches of Obama and Trump reflect divergent visions of America's role globally. Obama prioritized diplomacy, mutual engagement, and moral leadership, seeking to rebuild relationships and promote stability. In contrast, Trump adopted a nationalist, America First stance, emphasizing domestic priorities and questioning multilateral commitments. Both approaches demonstrate contrasting philosophies about the purpose and conduct of American foreign policy in the twenty-first century.

References

Coughlin, C., & Lippman, T. (2009). Obama’s Cairo speech: A new chapter? Foreign Policy Journal.

Friedman, T., & McCurry, J. (2017). Trump’s inaugural address: A new American nationalism. The New York Times.

Kull, S. (2010). Obama’s foreign policy: An analysis of diplomatic engagement. International Affairs Review.

Obama, B. (2009). Speech at Cairo University. White House Archive.

Trump, D. (2017). Inaugural Address. The White House.