|
I think people are often shortsighted when it comes to international relations. International reputations are relevant for reasons that go far beyond "being nice," "friendly," or thumping one's chest as the tough guy on the block.
Good diplomatic relations means that it is politically more feasible for leaders of foreign nations to enter into agreements with the US without fear of domestic disturbances, it means that foreign treaties and so on are easier to achieve, and so on and so forth.
International relations go far beyond matters of war and torture.
When the US is unpopular, it means that even agreements that would be mutually beneficial do not get done because it is simply too politically costly to do so for foreign leaders.
TR once said "speak softly and carry a big stick." The Bush administration focused exclusively on the "carry a big stick," but the "speak softly" is just as important.
|