A New Realism

In his article "A New Realism," Bill Richardson criticizes what he considers to be foreign policy missteps of the Bush Administration, while setting forth his views on United States' policy. He submits that the next U.S. President needs to end the war in Iraq, recalibrate for complex global challenges, and reclaim the United States' former position as a democratic leader, rather than a unilateralist loner. (Richardson, 2008). According to Richardson, policy makers in the Unites States have not yet adapted to a globalized world. The article hypothesizes that the need for superpower leadership is more important than ever, and the United States needs a "new realism" to bring itself on par with the modernized, globalized world of today.

Richardson's article examines issues that have changed the face of the 21st century, such as globalization, terrorism and environmental issues. As to terrorism, the crux of Richardson's argument is that the United States has failed to adapt its strategy and worldview to adequately battle the modern Jihadist enemy. The problems that face the United States today, according to Richardson, are rooted in societies and individuals, rather than in definable nation states. Thus, in order to fight such an enemy, the United States, via its next president, needs to reign in its tendency to fight militarily, and instead seek to utilize methods that are more tailored to modern-day terrorism.

Richardson lays out what he feels are the six most challenging trends that face the Untied States. The list includes Jihadism, illegal weapons trade, the military and economic rise of China and India, the resurgence of Russia as a superpower, increasing economic imbalance and the globalization of environmental, health and social problems. (Richardson, 2007, 28). He minces no words in stating that if the world fails to meet these challenges, the United States will shoulder much of the blame. Conversely, if the world succeeds in rising to meet these modern challenges, the United States will be entitled to most of the credit. (Richardson, 28).

In Policy Paradox, Deborah Stone discusses facts and persuasion. According to Stone, the revered fact of persuasion "evokes images of reasoned and informed decision," otherwise referred to as the rational idea. (Stone, 2002, 305). This rational ideal maligns to use of emotion to make decisions, and reveres those who act based on reason. Thus, under the rational democratic model, reason is the basis for government. (Stone, 305).

Stone also discusses inducements and rewards in the polis, which she likens to the carrot and the stick. Richardson also addresses this in his article, by calling out the United States for such behavior. According to Richardson, the United States needs to stop using diplomatic engagement as a reward for the good behavior of other states. Rather, he assesses that the United States should engage other countries in a way that is strategic, respectful, systematic and effective. (Richardson, 2007, 29).

Via his New Realism, Bill Richardson seems to be utilizing this method of persuasion. Remembering that this was written during his bid for presidential office, it becomes evident that persuasion may have been a driving force behind his foreign policy views. Richardson reminds readers of the failures made by the then-current administration, and suggests that they be replaced by policies driven by the rational ideal. The rational ideal would replace military force with discussion, thus Richardson's hypothesis would fit squarely into the definition of this type of persuasion. (Stone, 307).

Despite its persuasive techniques, one criticism of Richardson's article might be the manner in which he seems to equate environmental issues with terrorism concerns. He cites "Jihadism" and "global warming" as two of the most urgent problems of the present day. (Richardson, 2007, 27). While global warming may be a timely threat, it does not seem worthy of the elevated risk associated with 21st century terrorism. Equating the two seems to be misplaced.

During his run for presidential office, Bill Richardson penned A New Realism, wherein he offers a critique of the role of the United States in the global world. Richardson advances his own ideas that depart from the Bush administration and seek to solidly position the United States as a global leader. He feels as though the war on terror was mishandled, and that the United States should be more of a powerhouse in the globalized world. Richardson also feels as though the United States is lagging on environmental issues, rather than acting as a leader.

Save for a couple of platitudes, the article evokes a persuasive quality that seeks to appeal to rational thought. Richardson does not just dole out random criticism; rather, he supplies facts and solutions to bolster his position.

References:

Richardson, Bill. (Summer, 2007). A New Realism: Crafting a US Foreign Policy for a New Century. Harvard International Review. Cambridge: Vol. 29, Iss. 2; pg. 26, 5 pgs. 



Richardson, Bill. (January/February, 2008). A New Realism: A Realistic and Principled Foreign Policy. Foreign Affairs, Retrieved from http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/63057/bill-richardson/a-new-realism.

Stone, Deborah. (2002). Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making, Revised Edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.