Projecting power – Foreign Policy

foreignpolicy.com/2008/01/16/projecting-power/

Daniel W. Drezner

Daniel W. Drezner

Projecting power

Let’s see, today we’ve already blogged about the “erection theory of
British foreign policy.” As an antidote, here’s a link to my latest
Newsweek column, which suggests that, “the competitiveness of the
2008 presidential election itself might already be augmenting
America’s soft power.” Here’s how it closes: [N]ot all dimensions of
the 2008 campaign have ...
By Daniel W. Drezner, a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and
Diplomacy at Tufts University.

January 16, 2008, 3:27 AM

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Let's see, today we've already blogged about the "erection theory of British foreign policy."
As an antidote, here's a link to my latest Newsweek column, which suggests that, "the
competitiveness of the 2008 presidential election itself might already be augmenting
America's soft power." Here's how it closes: [N]ot all dimensions of the 2008 campaign have
been good for America's image abroad. With the exception of McCain, the Republican field
has been obsessed with who sounds tougher on immigration issues. The Democrats have
been less exercised over this issue, but when the topic turns to trade, it has been a race
among the candidates to see who can bash China first. All of the top-tier candidates have
published essays in Foreign Affairs outlining their vision of international relations. One of the
few areas where there is bipartisan agreement has been the need to improve America's
image abroad. It will be a pleasant surprise if the election campaign itself helps them
succeed in that effort.I'd previously blogged about this question here.

Let’s see, today we’ve already blogged about the “erection theory of British foreign policy.”
As an antidote, here’s a link to my latest Newsweek column, which suggests that, “the
competitiveness of the 2008 presidential election itself might already be augmenting
America’s soft power.” Here’s how it closes:

[N]ot all dimensions of the 2008 campaign have been good for America’s image
abroad. With the exception of McCain, the Republican field has been obsessed with
who sounds tougher on immigration issues. The Democrats have been less exercised
over this issue, but when the topic turns to trade, it has been a race among the
candidates to see who can bash China first. All of the top-tier candidates have
published essays in Foreign Affairs outlining their vision of international relations. One
of the few areas where there is bipartisan agreement has been the need to improve
America’s image abroad. It will be a pleasant surprise if the election campaign itself
helps them succeed in that effort.

I’d previously blogged about this question here.

Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and
Diplomacy at Tufts University. Twitter: @dandrezner

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