Intelligence Squared Debates: Obama’s Foreign Policy Is a Failure

For many, Obama’s presidency will be defined by its accomplishments. Taking out Osama bin Laden, disengaging from fights in the Middle East that America cannot win, defusing the threat of a nuclear Iran, and refocusing our attention and resources to Asia, where our greatest opportunities and biggest long-term challenges are located. But for others, it has been marked by missteps and retreat—pulling back where action and leadership was needed, and presiding over policies that strengthened our adversaries and disheartened our friends. Has Obama’s foreign policy been a success?

For the motion

Eliot Cohen

Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University

Eliot Cohen is Robert E. Osgood Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He directs the strategic… Read More

Kristen Silverberg

Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union

Kristen Silverberg served as U.S. ambassador to the European Union from 2008 to 2009 and as assistant secretary of state for international organization… Read More

Against the motion

Derek Chollet

Former Undersecretary of Defense & Counselor, German Marshall Fund

Derek Chollet served in senior positions during the Obama administration at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon, most recently as the… Read More

Vikram Singh

Vice President, National Security and International Policy, American Progress

Vikram J. Singh is the vice president for national security and international policy at American Progress. Previously, he served as the deputy assistant… Read More

• Global Affairs
• Legal, Politics & Economics

For many, Obama’s presidency will be defined by its accomplishments. Taking out Osama bin Laden, disengaging from fights in the Middle East that America cannot win, defusing the threat of a nuclear Iran, and refocusing our attention and resources to Asia, where our greatest opportunities and biggest long-term challenges are located. But for others, it has been marked by missteps and retreat—pulling back where action and leadership was needed, and presiding over policies that strengthened our adversaries and disheartened our friends. Has Obama’s foreign policy been a success?

For the motion

Eliot Cohen

Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University

Eliot Cohen is Robert E. Osgood Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He directs the strategic… Read More

Kristen Silverberg

Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union

Kristen Silverberg served as U.S. ambassador to the European Union from 2008 to 2009 and as assistant secretary of state for international organization… Read More

Against the motion

Derek Chollet

Former Undersecretary of Defense & Counselor, German Marshall Fund

Derek Chollet served in senior positions during the Obama administration at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon, most recently as the… Read More

Vikram Singh

Vice President, National Security and International Policy, American Progress

Vikram J. Singh is the vice president for national security and international policy at American Progress. Previously, he served as the deputy assistant… Read More