Publication

September 11 presented the Bush administration with the opportunity for a strategic reorientation of American foreign policy. Contrary to the hopes of many, however, this chance was not used to move towards a more multilateral policy;rather it was used to mobilize resources to the benefit of a superpower policy with a strong emphasis on military might. In light of increased perception of asymmetrical threats and with the “War on Terrorism” as legitimizing principle, those who advocate a policy based on superior military power and unrestricted room to maneuver have succeeded in dominating the foreign policy discourse in the US.