Internationalism of the Post-Cold War World: Clinton’s Foreign Policy for the Global Age

Abstract

The end of the Cold War prompted a critical reassessment of America’s global role, particularly during the post-Cold War era led by the Clinton administration. Faced with a shifting geopolitical landscape, President Bill Clinton addressed challenges and opportunities, seeking to define America’s role in this transformed international arena. As the bipolar structure of the Cold War dissolved, geo-economics took precedence over geopolitics. The ‘end of history’ narrative signaled a departure from traditional boundaries, and Clinton grappled with the choice of maintaining leadership through global engagement and internationalism. This study analyzes Clinton’s foreign policy throughout his presidency, emphasizing key issues like terrorism and the Balkans. It explores how perceptions of American decline, both economically and militarily, influenced internationalist policies. Additionally, it delves into the impact of conceptual frameworks such as ‘democratic peace,’ ‘unipolar moment,’ and ‘soft power’ on Clinton’s decisions. Drawing on primary sources and influential literature, the research suggests that Clinton’s foreign policy represented a strategic blend of internationalism and pragmatism, addressing the complexities of the post-Cold War world. To conclude, this research contributes to understanding how the end of the Cold War reshaped the global geopolitical landscape and explores the ideological underpinnings guiding the United States in the post-Cold War international arena.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024