I just finished reading 3 parts of a 4 part report on
the U.S. presidential debate on foreign policy, by
George Friedman of Stratfor (a private non-partisan intelligence service).


Part 1 of 4: The geopolitical landscape that will confront the next president:

1. Iraq problem almost in hand.

2. Must deal with Taliban in Afghanistan/Pakistan and close the Al-Qaeda chapter.

3. Keep Iran and Russia at bay while on 2, while getting zero support from Europe; new strategies with Israel and Turkey, and keep an eye out for Latin America.

4. Prepare for full-blown challenge with Russia by 2020.

Ofcourse, all this => increased defense spending.

I like the 10 questions he has for the candidates, and I'd like to see their (candidates) answers for each of them (questions) specifically.


Part 2 of 4: Obama's Foreign Policy

Democrat Tradition:

1. Reactive - postpone initiation of direct combat as long as possible

2. Do not get involved unilaterally - coalitions

3. End with international institutions - League of Nations, UN, NATO

4. Focus on Europe

Obama tracks the traditional Democratic approaches. Problems (he will face)

1. Forming a coalition with Europe - this will be a problem in Afghanistan, and in dealing with Russia.

2. Forming a coalition with Russia and China - deal with Iran

3. Against increased defense spending


Part 3 of 4: McCain's Foreign Policy

Republican Tradition:

1. Willingness to engage in foreign policy/wars when it serves US interests

2. Unwillingness to enter into multilateral orgranizations/alliances that can deprive the US of the right to act unilaterally

3. Distrust of diplomacy of European states

4. 2 strands - moralist and realist

McCain - Surprisingly, it is less clear how he will act - Moralist or Realist?


I found the report very interesting, but am not knowledgeable enough to evaluate it. So, what do other SOLOists think?