Restrained Empire'?: The Fiscal Cliff and the US Rebalancing Strategy, January 2011-May 2013

Abstract

This study focuses on the connection between the budget defi cit reduction plan and national security strategy in the Obama administration. The US budget deficit reduction requires reductions in defense spending, because defense occupies the biggest portion of the budget. This reduction of the defense spending must be guided by a new national security strategy. The new security strategy of the White House is the rebalancing strategy announced in the fall of 2011. This strategy aims to minimize military commitment in other countries (e.g. Afghanistan and Iraq) that was greatly expanded during the Bush administration and instead concentrate on the Asian-Pacific region in response to the rise of China. These actions bolster the image that the White House wishes to project of a 'Restrained Empire.' This 'Restrained Empire' is in stark contrast to the imperialistic stance of the Bush administration. This paper analyzes the budget deficit reduction plan and its impact on the Obama rebalancing strategy between the Budget Control Act of 2011 and sequestration on March 1, 2013. Factors are also examined that have influenced Obama's foreign policy since the start of sequestration.