The Obama administration has introduced a new national security doctrine that combines diplomatic engagement, economic discipline, and military power to enhance America's global position. This strategy, which marks a departure from the isolationist approach of the Bush era, emphasizes building partnerships with emerging powers like China and India to share the responsibilities of international security. Recognizing the importance of economic growth and fiscal responsibility, the administration has made these priorities central to national security. The policy statement emphasizes the need to strengthen the economy as the foundation of American power. Obama's official declaration of national security goals, set to be released later on Thursday, notably does not include the pre-emptive war policy of the Bush administration that strained relations with some US allies. The document laid out a plan for keeping America safe during wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, outlining Obama's focus on multilateral diplomacy over military strength to reshape the global order. The administration emphasized engaging with hostile nations while warning Iran and North Korea of consequences for defying international norms. The National Security Strategy, required by law, is significant as it can impact budgets, legislation, and is closely monitored internationally. Obama, facing a financial crisis upon taking office, highlighted the connection between America's economic health and its global standing, stressing the need for a fiscally sustainable path and reduced reliance on foreign oil sources to ensure sustained economic growth. The report did not address concerns about the national security implications of heavy US indebtedness to countries like China, but it did acknowledge the complex relationship between Washington and Beijing. It praised Beijing for becoming more involved in global issues while emphasizing the need for responsible behavior. The report also expressed unease about China's military expansion and stated that the US would take necessary measures to protect its interests and allies. In 2002, Bush asserted the right to unilateral and pre-emptive military action against perceived threats following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Obama's approach in contrast distanced his administration from the Bush Doctrine that justified the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The doctrine outlined on Thursday reaffirmed previous presidents' commitment to maintain US conventional military superiority, while also officially marking Obama's departure from what critics of Bush referred to as "cowboy diplomacy." The document stressed the importance of being realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of international institutions and emphasized that the United States cannot simply walk away from them. Instead, it called for American engagement to focus on strengthening these institutions and mobilizing collective action to address common interests, such as combating violent extremism, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, achieving sustainable economic growth, and finding cooperative solutions to the threat of climate change. Obama's statement that the United States cannot act alone in the world was also a message to both current and emerging powers that they must bear their fair share of responsibility. Obama is widely recognized for improving the tone of US foreign policy, which was highlighted when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. However, he is still facing challenges with two ongoing wars, nuclear tensions with Iran and North Korea, and slow progress in Middle East peace efforts. Critics argue that some of his diplomatic efforts suggest weakness on the part of the US and question whether he is putting American interests at risk by relying too heavily on "soft power." Despite these criticisms, Obama remains committed to his goal of "disrupting, dismantling, and defeating" al Qaeda while also promoting human rights and rejecting the use of torture for national security purposes. He has also made efforts to improve relations with the Muslim world, which suffered under the previous administration due to the Iraq war, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and inflammatory language used by President Bush. Preventing the danger of domestic terrorism was also identified as a critical focus. This decision was made following the unsuccessful Christmas Day attack on a US airplane and the failed Times Square car bombing attempt that occurred recently.