U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy: 100 days of Obama Presidency
100 days of Obama Presidency
In President Obama’s inauguration speech, he told the world he would place a new emphasis on diplomacy, stating the United States would forge relationships based on “mutual interest and mutual respect.” He made a promise to developing nations to work for their interests and prosperity by helping their “farms flourish,” rivers run clean, by feeding the hungry and educating the youth. He went on to reach out to leaders of countries the United States has had strained relations with by stating, “we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
With an economic crisis at the forefront of a long list of presidential priorities, what have the new President and Administration been able to accomplish in the way of diplomacy goals in the first 100 days of office?
The Obama Administration has dropped the statement “War on Terror” and emphasized to audiences in Turkey that the United States respects Islam and that the nation is not and will never be at war with their religion. President Obama has also issued an Executive Order demanding the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. Diplomatic efforts have been extended to Iran and restrictions on Cuba have been relaxed.
This switch from the “us/them” mentality to mutuality has apparently been received well by foreign and domestic audiences. A recent CNN poll shows Obama’s foreign policy approval ratings are the highest ever received by a president in his first one hundred days in office. Another poll by CNN finds that an overwhelming majority (79%) of respondents think people in foreign countries have a better view of the United States because of President Obama. Mexican citizens feel he is “already talking about problems we know about like he understands them.” (Christian Science Monitor)
In 2007, only 9% of Turkey’s citizens had a favorable view of the United States, yet when President Obama visited he was greeted with rock star-like treatment. He enjoys a modest 52% approval rating and is well on his way to rebuild relations between the United States and Turkey.
During a roundtable discussion with Turkish students, Obama expressed a desire to open dialogue between the U.S. and Turkey, to find common ground and interests in order to start the road to repairing their relationship. This effort to improve people’s perceptions of the U.S. is something each and every citizen diplomat can do help shape foreign policy when traveling or interacting with foreign visitors in the U.S.
Before the students started asking questions, he made it a point to say, “I want to make sure we end before the call to prayer.” Demonstrating a clear understanding of and respect for another’s culture and customs can go a long way to gain friends and dispel enemies. Other efforts to break walls of dislike came in the form of support for international exchange. President Obama reiterated that when citizens of multiple nations are brought together and actually speak to one another, “common humanity is revealed.”
The president has proposed a 9.5% increase on International Affairs spending in the FY10 budget bringing the total to $51.7 billion. He has also supported and led efforts to increase volunteer opportunities abroad for Americans. The recent signing of the Kennedy Serve America Act is one example of the importance Obama has placed on service and volunteering. The administration is considering implementation of a program called America’s Voice Initiative, which will provide Americans with foreign language proficiency opportunities to use these skills in public diplomacy efforts.
President Obama and the new Administration have taken steps to change the tone of U.S. leadership around the world and foster the creation of a global community of mutual understanding and respect among nations using the tools of diplomacy. However, there is a long road ahead and the long-term impact of these early efforts have yet to be foreseen.
What is your opinion? We welcome your comments in our blog.
http://www.uscenterforciti
With an economic crisis at the forefront of a long list of presidential priorities, what have the new President and Administration been able to accomplish in the way of diplomacy goals in the first 100 days of office?
The Obama Administration has dropped the statement “War on Terror” and emphasized to audiences in Turkey that the United States respects Islam and that the nation is not and will never be at war with their religion. President Obama has also issued an Executive Order demanding the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. Diplomatic efforts have been extended to Iran and restrictions on Cuba have been relaxed.
This switch from the “us/them” mentality to mutuality has apparently been received well by foreign and domestic audiences. A recent CNN poll shows Obama’s foreign policy approval ratings are the highest ever received by a president in his first one hundred days in office. Another poll by CNN finds that an overwhelming majority (79%) of respondents think people in foreign countries have a better view of the United States because of President Obama. Mexican citizens feel he is “already talking about problems we know about like he understands them.” (Christian Science Monitor)
In 2007, only 9% of Turkey’s citizens had a favorable view of the United States, yet when President Obama visited he was greeted with rock star-like treatment. He enjoys a modest 52% approval rating and is well on his way to rebuild relations between the United States and Turkey.
During a roundtable discussion with Turkish students, Obama expressed a desire to open dialogue between the U.S. and Turkey, to find common ground and interests in order to start the road to repairing their relationship. This effort to improve people’s perceptions of the U.S. is something each and every citizen diplomat can do help shape foreign policy when traveling or interacting with foreign visitors in the U.S.
Before the students started asking questions, he made it a point to say, “I want to make sure we end before the call to prayer.” Demonstrating a clear understanding of and respect for another’s culture and customs can go a long way to gain friends and dispel enemies. Other efforts to break walls of dislike came in the form of support for international exchange. President Obama reiterated that when citizens of multiple nations are brought together and actually speak to one another, “common humanity is revealed.”
The president has proposed a 9.5% increase on International Affairs spending in the FY10 budget bringing the total to $51.7 billion. He has also supported and led efforts to increase volunteer opportunities abroad for Americans. The recent signing of the Kennedy Serve America Act is one example of the importance Obama has placed on service and volunteering. The administration is considering implementation of a program called America’s Voice Initiative, which will provide Americans with foreign language proficiency opportunities to use these skills in public diplomacy efforts.
President Obama and the new Administration have taken steps to change the tone of U.S. leadership around the world and foster the creation of a global community of mutual understanding and respect among nations using the tools of diplomacy. However, there is a long road ahead and the long-term impact of these early efforts have yet to be foreseen.
What is your opinion? We welcome your comments in our blog.
http://www.uscenterforciti