Case Study: Issues in Diversity
Assignment Overview: Read the following case study and answer the questions. Upload your answers in a Word document
When then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama said that he would negotiate directly with Iranian leaders for peaceful relations as long as Iranian leaders agreed to set aside the nation’s nuclear weapons program and support of terrorists, he received a great deal of criticism from members in both major political parties. Former President Bush (43) referred to Obama’s proposal as a “foolish delusion,” likening it to trying to appease Hitler during World War II through sensible conversation.
As President, Barack Obama has continued to display the same style of power that he displayed as a candidate regarding his stance toward peaceful diplomacy and negotiations. Obama’s style is a significant departure from earlier policies, and it has changed the way that some in strong “anti-American” countries view the United States. A recent Boston Globe article suggests that Obama just might be making inroads toward that goal, citing posters and songs dedicated to the new American president popping up everywhere from Egypt to the Persian Gulf. Some believe that Obama’s global popularity could foil attempts by some global leaders to use anti-American feelings to strengthen their own power.
By all accounts, Obama is not your “typical” American president in more than the obvious ways. The tactics that he uses to influence others, particularly those in countries considered U.S. adversaries, is unlike those used by past American presidents. Rather than a heavy-handed approach that includes fear of retribution and threat of punishment, Obama prefers a “softer,” more conciliatory approach to achieve his desired objectives.
Case Study Questions: Answer the following questions
What role do you believe culture plays in Obama’s decision to use a less coercive strategy to influence “anti-American” governments?
Do leaders who use softer influence tactics run the risk of being perceived as weak? Explain.