Open AccessLeader of the Free Word and the Balance of Threats: Understanding Obama's New Defence Strategy
Author(s) -
Jan Ludvík
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
vojenské rozhledy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2336-2995
pISSN - 1210-3292
DOI - 10.3849/2336-2995.21.2012.02.077-085
Subject(s) - balance (ability) , china , political science , power (physics) , political economy , national security , public relations , law , sociology , psychology , neuroscience , physics , quantum mechanics
This strategy has received substantial attention and triggered the discussion about the future of U.S. security policy and America's role in the world. The article argues that American strategy is often misunderstood, particularly in the Czech environment. Obama's defence strategy and its foundations must be explained through the lenses of the balance of threats developed by Stephen Walt. Washington is balancing what it perceives to be the greatest threat to American leadership in the world. Threats are presented by emerging power of People's China, the situation in Middle East. Europe is not less important; it is still an important American ally.