What is it about?
This article maps the conflict relationship between the United States and the international Muslim community, then identifies methods and policies implemented by Barack Obama to see when and if they promoted reconciliation between these two communities. We find that Obama successfully used soft power to change minds, but had more difficulty changing U.S. policy. As a result, the international Muslim community became frustrated and negative sentiment toward the United States and the President increased.
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Why is it important?
Following the Global War on Terrorism and George W. Bush's invasion and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, international Muslim sentiment towards the United States worsened. Experts recommended that conflict resolution be pursued to minimise the likelihood of violence. Barack Obama recognised the need to transform relations, and promised to do so. While he made important steps to manage his rhetoric and soft power, and demonstrated his determination to improve relations, his regional policies met expected and unexpected challenges. As a result, when he left office, the negative sentiment continued to exist across these cultures.
Perspectives
It is important for people to understand the importance of reducing conflict across these cultures, and the challenges that make achieving change difficult. Words are not enough...actions must also show that you mean what you say.
Dr. Ronald L. Gardner
Universitat Jaume I
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This page is a summary of: Action Not Words: Obama’s Opportunity to Transform U.S.-Muslim Relations, Social Sciences, February 2018, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/socsci7020026.
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