Chapter 8 the Bush Doctrine redefining the U.S. role in world politics for the twenty-first century?

Many observers find the recently formulated Bush Doctrine a provocative, shocking, and perhaps ill-conceived reaction to a unique set of circumstances facing a relatively inexperienced president. However, when placed in historical context, the Bush Doctrine presents only minor adjustments to the long-standing foreign policy traditions of the United States. This point can be argued by comparing George W. Bush's foreign policy doctrine to that of an earlier Republican president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although these men share little in common as individuals, their doctrinal responses to the major threats of their time are very similar. The comparison highlights some of the potential pitfalls of the most recent presidential doctrine, as well as the prospects for its successful enactment.