Review article

Realist or Liberal?: Theoretical Interpretations of the Obama Administration’s Counterterrorism Strategy

Brett Campbell ; University of Trento, Italy

Abstract

As a means to settle the Obama liberal-realist debate, this article examines his administration’s counterterrorism strategy, with specific attention given to three of the primary tactics employed since 9/11 to combat terrorists: targeted killings, extraordinary rendition, and torture. In general, most assume the targeted killings program to be realist-driven, while the supposed ban of torture and mitigation of extraordinary renditions to fall within the purview of liberalism. However, upon closer analysis, the president’s counterterrorism strategy has followed almost entirely the logic of realism. Each of
these tactics suggests a preference to act unilaterally, flout international law, and above all, enhance national security at the expense of commonly accepted liberal international values.

Keywords

Obama; realism; liberalism; counterterrorism

Hrčak ID:

143306

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/143306

Publication date:

3.9.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 9.297 *