Liberty University
COMS 560
Interactive Paper 1:
President Obama as Conflict Resolver
Conflict is defined as a state of opposition between different ideas and interest. It is a
disagreement or controversy between parties. When considering presidency and conflict
resolution, there are critical skills that leaders should possess to make America successful and
great overall as a country. Within the next four months our country will be making a significant
decision on who will be our next President of the United States of America. While America has
several international alliances and enemies, it is extremely important for us as citizens to
consider how a President can resolve both international and domestic conflicts or even worsen
them. A President’s strength and compelling skillfulness in managing conflict resolution both at
home and abroad is one of the most important factors of successful Presidential leadership. When
nominating and selecting presidential candidates we must not underestimate their skills and
abilities to resolve conflict. Over the last eight years President Obama has proven himself to be
an excellent conflict resolver and managing conflict in our countries best interest.
In the article Mr. President, Conflict Resolution is Not a Course to be Written Off,
published by the Africa News Service (2012), Albert Gomes-Mugumya discusses conflict
resolution and transformation. Conflict resolution is known as a human security discipline that is
mainly particularly interesting to people who have an interest in how to develop responses that
are appropriate to conflicts and to security. The Africa News Service mentions Conflict Sensitive
Approaches to Development (CSA), which is an approach that gives government to the ability to
understand the context in which it operates, understand the interaction between “its intervention
and context and act upon the understand of its interaction in order to avoid negative impacts and
maximize positive impacts” (2012).
In Evolving American Presidency: America Responds to Terrorism: Conflict Resolution
Strategies of Clinton, Bush, and Obama, Karen A. Feste discusses President Barack Obama’s
Problem-Solving Strategy. When President Barack Obama entered office in January of 2009,
America was facing two American-generated wars in the Islamic world that began under the
Bush administration (Feste, 2011). First it was the war in Afghanistan, which started in 2001 as a
result of the 9/11 attacks; and the war in Iraq which was a “preemptive invasion” in March of
2003 that was designed to oust the leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, as well as capture and
destroy the weapons of mass destruction, which were later discovered to be nonexistent. Neither
one of the wars were popular as their rationale within the United States of America was seen as
waning (Feste, 2011). Obama was opposed to the war in Iraq; as he feared it would lead to a
“U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined
consequences” (Feste, 2011). Instead, Obama thought that America should be more aware of
mission creep, endgame clarity, as well as focus on our country. Obama had new directions in
mind for managing conflict within terrorism.
During President Obama’s campaign he promised America he would send two additional
brigades to Afghanistan to fight the Talban insurgents. As a man of his word, Barack Obama kept
that promise. He also promised the American people that he would address the Muslim world
from a Muslim capital within his first one hundred days in office, and he did as well. Obama not
only said, but he did. He has been a man of his word and that is why he is well respected and has
success resolving conflict. President Obama also addressed the Turkish parliament in Ankara as
well as spoke at a large public gathering in Egypt at Cairo University (Feste, 2011). While
speaking at Cairo University Obama jumped right into the issues at hand by stating, “We meet at
a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world,….Violent
extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims,…I’ve come
here to Cairo to seek new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world,
one based on mutual interests and mutual respect,…recognizing that change cannot happen
overnight. I know there’s been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can
eradicate years of mistrust…there must be a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from
each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground” (Feste, 2011).
Through this speech, several others, and his actions Obama displayed a level of full
commitment to our country. President Barack Obama showed his commit to his country and his
role as President by being legitimate and keeping his promises. Displaying a level of
commitment and integrity is a highly significant principle of conflict resolution. It is important
for our President to strive for creditability. This will allow him/her to have the trust of his/her
alliances, and supporters. As a conflict resolver, one should not make demands or requests that
give anyone an inclination to question their power. Developing trust and maintaining it allows a
conflict resolver to keep their positive reputation.
John Davis (2011) discusses President Obama’s performance in the domestic arena as
well as in the foreign policy arena in his book The Barack Obama Presidency: A Two Year
Assessment. When discussing President Obama’s success with conflict resolution overseas, Davis
states that Obama’s strategy “differs from his predecessor’s because it is based on willingness to
reach out to U.S. friends and foes and to identify areas where cooperation is possible” (Davis,
2011). Davis also mentioned that President Obama and the United States are more popular today
in Europe than what we were when George Bush was in office. Davis believed this to be true as
Bush’s policies angered many European governments. During Bush’s presidency, he brought
unilateralism and vocal opposition to the White House. Fortunately, Davis believed this was
something that was very unlikely to be repeated by the Obama administration.
Robert Singh (2012) discusses the Obama Doctrine: “Leading From Behind” in his book,
Barack Obama’s Post-American Foreign Policy: The Limits of Engagement. Singh compares
Barack Obama’s approach to the Carter’s ideological path. Ideology is known as a system of
ideas. These ideas are essentially formed on the basis of economics and political theories. Robert
Singh also discusses Obama’s grandest strategy, engagement. Engagement is very important in
conflict management and plays a key role. Engagement is “more than the mechanistic behavioral
processes of communication (e.g. eye contact, active listening); it is a capacity to connect and be
with another in an intersubjective, mutual, and authentic way, all while honoring complexity and
ambiguity (Gerardi, 2015). While trying to resolve conflict, the feelings of anger, fear, hurt, and
frustration are normally felt and typical because individuals or groups. When resolving conflict it
is important to recognize the significance of emotional engagement within the process.
When considering Obama’s style of conflict resolution, he makes references to calmness
and patience during conflict avoidance. He also makes accommodations when it comes to
problem solving. President Obama displayed and is continuing to display his readiness to work
with others at complex conflict resolution. He has showed this not only in his speeches but in his
actions as well. He requires us as citizens to have a change in mindset as well as demonstrate
effective leadership as an U.S. President. Throughout Obama’s presidency his core theme has
been to bring people together, whether in the same party or not, to achieve a consensus in order
to solve highly complex global conflicts.
In 2014 Obama worked toward helping the United States restore a full relationship with
Cuba have many decades of hostility. Obama ordered restoration of full diplomatic relations with
President Raul Castro and Cuba. By attempting to resolve conflict with Cuba, Obama took
himself to a place no other president had gone before. The move to develop relations with Cuba
was a dramatic turning point for the country. Obama was dedicated during his second term to
resolve conflicts with Cuba. With encouragement from other world leaders and Pope Francis,
Obama was able to mend the relationship. Cuban President Raul Castro announced to his country
over Cuban airwaves that him and Obama were making headway in a solution of many topics of
mutual interest for both of their nations. After much effort toward conflict resolution, Castro
reopened the diplomatic relationship between the United States of America and Cuba. Because of
President Barack Obama’s efforts to mend the relationship with Cuba, local U.S. kindergarteners
were able to visit Cuba for a school fieldtrip. This would have never happened without Barack
Obama’s conflict management skills.
President Barack Obama also has a charismatic leadership style, which provides him
additional strength in handling conflict. To have charisma is to have a compelling charm that
inspires others around you to have devotion. We never see Obama lose his “cool” or crack under
pressure. He always knows what to say and when to say it. He has a professional, charming, yet
serious demeanor. Nikki Owen (2015) shares that many people have the perception that charisma
cannot be taught; it is a characteristic that you either have or you don’t. Charisma is a natural
characteristic that people are born with. It is a characteristic that many leaders wish they had, but
unfortunately all leaders do not possess it.
Many managers have reported that charismatic leadership seems to produce higher
performance levels amongst followers, leading the followers to be more motivated and satisfied
(Conger et al, 2000). Charismatic leaders attract a loyal and supportive following. Leaders with
charisma attract more publicity and attention from outside groups (Owens, 2015). This is not
only a strong characteristic for a leader, but also a strong characteristic for a conflict resolver.
President Obama has a combination of charisma, confidence, congeniality, and assertiveness that
has not been seen in past presidents. President Obama is outgoing, ambitious, and dominant. The
characteristics that he possesses allow him to have the power to inspire his nation of followers,
and connect with people both domestically and abroad.
An Insight Report by the Hay Group examined the engagement within 1610
organizations. The report concluded that engagement had declined within the world (Owens,
2015). Through the study it was determined that charismatic leaders have a stronger effect on co-
operation than the non-charismatic counterparts. Charismatic leaders are capable of altering
attitudes, beliefs and motivation, making changes that are not normally easily implemented
through conventional leadership approaches (Owens, 2015). The charisma that President Obama
processes sets him apart from the rest and allows him to be an affect conflict resolver. Avner Falk
(2010) speaks of Obama and his charisma in his book The riddle of Barack Obama: A
Psychobiography. In his book, Falk state that the quintessential Barack Obama was given his
charisma from being partly a stranger, outside, and a foreigner. Falk mentioned how Obama’s
charisma and ability to stand out brought out the most “broadbased, diverse, and national
coalitions of voters since World War II (2010).”
Above all, most democratic governments are supporters of conflict resolution. As an
Obama supporter, it is personal belief that he has been eclectic and pragmatic in his decision
making and policy making. It appears that President Obama has moved away from more
evolving conflict resolution approaches and using a more constructive conflict resolution
approach. President Barack Obama has worked in many ways to minimize the United States of
America’s frequent resort to violence. In 2014 Barack Obama argued strongly against the use of
force to solve conflict. Obama has significantly changed America’s historical role in global
security from past years. In recent years Obama had referenced the enormous cost associated
with war. Why are we as Americans so eager to go to war when it costs the country such
economic stress?
Instead Barack Obama has been working to narrow the targets by using multilateral
support. President Obama has used diplomacy to restructure conflicts across the Nation as well
as abroad. Obama tends to always take into account how his adversaries view a particular
conflict. By doing this he is able to maximize the effectiveness of non-coercive negative
inducements.
In conclusion, President Barack Obama has resolved many conflicts over her two terms;
both in the States and abroad. While he has not made America “perfect” he has improved our
country greatly and worked towards its better good. Over his eight years he has moved America
in a positive direction. Contrary to what people believe, Obama has done more good for our
conflict resolution as a country than more of our past U.S. Presidents. He has clearly proven we
can trust his efforts and his work as a President and U.S. official. As Falk (2010) mentioned,
Obama is not superhuman, a savior, prophet, or a messiah. Many Americans have set high
unattainable expectations of him, not realizing he is human and cannot do it all. American cannot
be fixed overnight nor can it be fixed to perfection in 4 years, 8 years, 10 years, or maybe even
20 years. Though change is not instantaneous in conflict resolution it is important to stay 100%
dedicated at all times for the best results in managing conflict. There are many individuals we
can support him as a conflict resolver and many who can’t.
References:
Annual Palestine Center conference examines post-election U.S., Mideast. (2013, January-
February). Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, 32(1), 69+. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?
url=http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE
%7CA314444141&sid=summon&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=GRGM&sw=w&asid=
6d7f21255ba0322eced6dfc401533498
Conger, J., Kanungo, R., & Menon, S. (2000). Charismatic Leadership and Follower Effects.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 21(7), 747-767. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3100311
Davis, J. (2012). The barack obama presidency: A two year assessment. New York: Palgrave
Macmillan. doi:10.1057/9780230370456
Falk, A. (2010). The riddle of barack obama: A psychobiography. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.
Feste, K. A. (2011). The Evolving American Presidency : America Responds to Terrorism :
Conflict Resolution Strategies of Clinton, Bush, and Obama. New York, US: Palgrave
Macmillan. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Gerardi, D. (2015). Conflict Engagement: A Relational Approach. American Journal of Nursing
115(7) 56-60. DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000467281.59188.76
Mr President, Conflict Resolution Is Not a Course to Be Written Off. (2012, February 27). Africa
News Service. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?
url=http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE
%7CA281381820&sid=summon&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=GRGM&sw=w&asid=
70958fb1d4c5187aff23a02b0251ccc5
Owen, N. (2015). Charismatic leadership. Training Journal, , 28-31. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?
url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1791906581?accountid=12085
President's role in addressing conflicts in Africa highlighted. (2012, Sep 25). AllAfrica.Com
Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?
url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1080559048?accountid=12085
Rowland, R. C. & Jones, J. M. (2011). One Dream: Barack Obama, Race, and the American
Dream. Rhetoric & Public Affairs 14(1), 125-154. Michigan State University Press.
Retrieved July 31, 2016, from Project MUSE database.
Singh, R. (2012). Barack Obama's Post-American Foreign Policy : The Limits of Engagement
(1). London, GB: Bloomsbury Academic. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
