ISIS Synthesis Essay

Words: 863
Pages: 4

Complexity is also magnified within the context of international relations which provide the foundational beliefs for political leader’s agendas and desires on the world stage. Colin Dueck’s article provides insight into the challenges the US continues to face in pursuing it foreign policy across the globe. In it he argues that that US culture has been heavily influenced by liberal assumptions and aspects of limited liability which has resulted in a pattern he describes as “reluctant crusading” where national objectives are broadly defined, yet resourced in a limited way, resulting in what he calls “hegemony on the cheap.” Propping up and providing support for free trade, international cooperation, liberal values, free markets and international …show more content…
The current conflict in Syria is a good example of an adversary with a constructivist view. The elites within ISIS want to develop a Caliphate state with Islamic rule and social identities specific to their religious and ethnic cultures. Developing an effective military strategy that achieves political end-states against ISIS is very challenging given the complexity and deep cultural and ethnic roots in the region. Viewing ISIS with a constructivist lens, Cronin’s argument that US policy should deal with them like a pseudo-state pursuing an offensive containment strategy with limited military tactics and a broad diplomatic approach to halt its expansion seems to be the best option …show more content…
The most recent example of this was in Iraq where US political leaders continued to seek limited scope objectives which, were heavily influenced by political agendas and unrealistic timelines. This led to the derailment of political end-states and the reemergence of Sunni-Shia sectarian violence which erupted almost immediately after the American military and diplomats left Iraq. Today, these disenfranchised Sunni insurgents make up the core of