The Politics of Foreign Policy

This chapter discusses the question of whether the lack of a rhetorical paradigm in foreign policy might complicate the attempts of the administration to justify its individual diplomatic initiatives. Strobe Talbott acknowledged the fact that if they were not motivated by a clear threat or a compelling goal, Americans tended to lose interest in foreign affairs. This discussion shows that the rhetorical shortcomings of Bill Clinton's strategy brought about a significant diminution of his power in foreign affairs. It also states that Clinton's inability to maintain control of U.S. policy indicated a failure to overcome the post-Cold War dilemma that he had inherited.