Making New Year’s predictions is tricky in this turbulent world, but here’s one fairly safe bet: The next president will propose a more assertive U.S. foreign policy. Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee, has often sounded nearly as hawkish about the use of military force as the Republican contenders.
But what would a new U.S. assertiveness mean, in practical terms? What can U.S. military power do, realistically, to combat the Islamic State and other threats more effectively? How can China and Russia be checked militarily? The rhetoric of U.S. power will be flexed during the campaign, but what about the substance? Projecting power will be harder than many candidates seem to realize.
The first reality check for a new president will be the Pentagon. This generation of military leaders has been through traumatic wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’ve cautioned President Obama about the potential cost in lives and money of new commitments in the Middle East, and they’ll do the same with the next commander in chief. If you want to hear arguments against deploying a big U.S. ground force in Syria, just ask a general.
WNU Editor: I am not too sure about David Ignatius claim that the next U.S. President will be more assertive in U.S. foreign policy. Donald Trump has made it very clear he is not interested in escalating U.S. military commitment to the many wars that are now engulfing the Middle East. As for the South China Sea and our differences with China .... Donald Trump gives me the impression that he will be more assertive on economics and not on military/defense/security issues with China. In regards to the rest of the candidates, Hillary Clinton is the easiest to predict. She will continue President Obama's policies and strategies.
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