Obama’s Doctrine and American Pivot from the Middle East towards Asia and the Pacific: A Study of the State of the Union Addresses: 2008-2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35682/jjlps.v14i2.431Keywords:
American Foreign Policy, Obama Doctrine, the State of the Union Addresses, Middle East, American Pivot towards Asia, President BidenAbstract
The study tested the relationship between Obama’s doctrine and US foreign policy in the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific: 2008-2016. It argued that Obama’s doctrine could explain the U.S pivot from the Middle East towards Asia. It analyzed Obama’s foreign policy in the Middle East and Asia by testing the relationship between the State of the Union addresses statements and actual policies toward the Middle East and Asia.
The study employed content analysis of Obama’s State of the Union addresses in order to reveal his doctrine as well as policy makers visits to both regions. The study may serve as an empirical approach to understand Biden's foreign policy. Both Obama and Biden view China as the main challenge to American hegemony.
The study concluded that empirical evidence reveals the components of the Obama doctrine and its influence in his foreign policy approach. It includes using smart power, leading from behind approach and relying on multilateralism. It offered empirical evidence of American pivot from the Middle East towards Asia. Thus, the main hypothesis of the study is supported.
