The Obama Security Strategy and Beyond: Implications for Germany and Europe

James D. Bindenagel

University of Bonn

James D. Bindenagel is a retired U.S. Ambassador, Henry-Kissinger-Professor (Emeritus) at Bonn University, and Senior Non-Resident Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. He has published: Germany: From Peace to Power? Can Germany Lead in Europe without Dominating it? (2020) and International Sicherheit im 21. Jahrhundert, Deutschlands Verantwortung (2015), both published by V&R Bonn for Bonn University.

Barack Obama’s final year in office is one with the world in upheaval. It is also the year that will shape the security strategy for the next U.S. president. This commentary paper from J.D. Bindenagel, Director of AGI partner organization the Center for International Security and Governance at the Universität Bonn, examines Obama’s security strategy, consisting of a Doctrine of “Strategic Patience” and realistic pragmatism. The core element is in its reliance on diplomatic partnerships or “Partners in Leadership”. The Obama strategy is defined by his management of the Ukraine crisis, the Syrian Civil War as well as in fighting terrorism of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Finally, the paper gives a first look at the legacy of Obama’s security strategy and addresses its implications for Europe and Germany.  Read article.