At York Think-Tank, Secretary Clinton described the world as one for which traditional solutions or forms of leadership will no longer work. There needs to be more shared responsibility and there should be more multilateral leading on a range of issues, she said. This explained the US approach to Libya, to Mali, and to Syria. She noted that solutions would only be found when states partnered with non-state actors. So, Americas strategy under President Obama is to help create new networks encompassing not just the traditional state actors, but others – the private sector, civil society, and NGOs; and, using new tools – social media as well as economics, diplomacy and the military – to build coalitions to lead change. This is not a denial of US leadership, but a new type of role for America, one which its allies (and adversaries) are unused to and are discomforted by. It will require others to step up and invest their sometimes limited resources, which they may find tough. It will require the US to give up some control, and Americas allies to take some. In doing so they will take on more responsibility. But it is the right strategy for the environment in which we now live. Unfortunately, there is no one in Washington who is explaining this doctrine to the outside world, which is leading to confusion and misperceptions that are negative for the United States and for global stability. It is potentially very dangerous. If President Obama is truly conducting a new networked leadership for the US, his administration urgently needs to take the time to explain and define it. The consequences of continuing along this ambiguous and, to the outside world, weakened path, could be disastrous. By York Think-Tank
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:23:31 +0000
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