Obama Looks Inward, America’s Allies Worry

Leading on foreign policy is an expensive endeavor for any nation. President Barack Obama in his second inaugural address signaled he will focus on improving US economic and social policies – with gun, immigration, tax and economic reforms and new focus on climate change. Nomination of Chuck Hagel, former Republican senator, as Secretary of Defense, suggests cost controls for the Pentagon, explains Gideon Rachman for the Financial Times: “The fact that some see the current mess in Mali as an indirect product of the toppling of Muammer Gaddafi will only strengthen the caution of the Hagelians, who argue that even successful interventions often have dangerous, unforeseen consequences.” A new US pace means Europe will have to manage conflicts close to home. Obama’s non-interventionist stance raises uncertainty for any embroiled in emerging or ongoing conflicts. Governments or jihadists contemplating recklessness should tread cautiously. A new era of global security cooperation could unfold if the rest of the world must plead for US power to be put to use. – YaleGlobal