Change in Command for the Commander in Chief

It would be easy to exaggerate the significance of the inauguration of Barack Obama in terms of its impact on America’s foreign policy and standing in the world. The temptation is to assume that all will be made right by virtue of his swearing in.

Unfortunately, progress won’t be that easy. Exceedingly complex, intractable and pressing challenges – from terrorism, nuclear proliferation and a resurgent Russia, to ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - await the incoming President. That partial list doesn’t include the economic crisis that threatens to hurtle the world economy into a deep slump, or the dire consequences that could result from unchecked global warming.

How’s that for a welcome wagon?

While his ascension alone will not alter that reality, the inaugural ceremony will have a symbolic impact that could create practical opportunities. When Obama takes the oath of office America will gain back some of the influence and credibility that were squandered over the last eight years.

It is no secret that America’s image has been greatly tarnished by the actions of the Bush administration including the invasion of Iraq on false pretenses, the official sanctioning of torture (and the logical result at Abu Ghraib), the abrogation of habeas corpus and the rule of law at Guantanamo and elsewhere, negligence in terms of addressing global warming and inattention to the abuses perpetrated by our once enviable financial institutions.

Cynicism about America has become so rampant that during the election many around the world doubted that America could or would overcome its racist past, and recent proclivities, to elect an African American with a Muslim sounding name. They thought the election was fixed, and that America was unredeemable.

By proving the doubters wrong, and by becoming the first African American President in US history, Obama’s inauguration will signify to the world that America is back from its Bush-era hiatus, and is intent on retaking its rightful leadership role in the world. In a word, Obama will restore hope - a belief in international audiences that America will be America again.

However, the goodwill generated by Obama’s inauguration will be short lived and entirely contingent on the follow through. The redemptive narrative that Obama represents will only go so far in terms of winning supporters absent real changes in the way America conducts itself in the world – from renouncing torture, restoring the rule of law, repairing alliances, prioritizing diplomatic solutions over military ones, righting the economic ship and unwinding our military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, to laying out an aggressive, yet realistic, plan to combat global warming.

It is difficult to overstate the enormity of the challenges that Obama will face but at least for a brief time, his inauguration will ensure that America has the winds of the world filling its sails again. Let’s hope he can capitalize on the renewed standing of America and steer a better course.

Eric Martin is the editor of two foreign policy focused websites, The Progressive Realist and American Footprints.  Eric is also a contributor on Obsidian Wings.   In addition, Eric is an attorney living and working in Manhattan.  His practice focuses on Internet and Technology law.