The Making Of National Security Policy In The Obama Yearsove

The Making Of National Security Policy In The Obama Yearsoverviewthis The making of National Security Policy in the Obama years. Overview This week you've gotten an idea about how a president makes foreign policy. From gossamer campaign promises of Trump, Clinton or Sanders, a variety of executive agencies of actors might help the president formulate and implement American foreign policy. This assignment is meant to get you to see a little bit more about the executive role in the making of American foreign policy in the Obama years. Directions Go to the National Security Council (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. webpage or go to the White House (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. webpage.

Create a list of the agencies that advise the president on all matters of national security. Which agency or agencies played the strongest role in the Obama years regarding the reset with Russia or the nuclear deal with Iran? This COMPLETED assignment will be an essay of words and is worth 1-10 points.

Paper For Above instruction The evolution of U.S. national security policy during the Obama administration presents a nuanced picture of bureaucratic interplay and strategic decision-making. Central to this process are key agencies within the federal government that advise and assist the President in shaping foreign policy. The most influential among these during the Obama years included the National Security Council (NSC), the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Each played a vital role in crafting and implementing policies, particularly concerning relations with Russia and the nuclear negotiations with Iran.

The National Security Council (NSC) served as the primary advisory body to the president on national security matters. Established to coordinate policy across multiple agencies, the NSC under President Obama was instrumental in managing complex international issues. The chair of the NSC, along with the President’s national security advisors, coordinated efforts across the Department of State, Defense, and intelligence agencies. During the Obama years, the NSC was particularly influential in facilitating the "reset" policy with Russia and brokering the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The Department of State was central to diplomatic negotiations and conducted bilateral and multilateral talks with Russia and Iran. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton initially set the tone for engaging Russia and pursuing arms control agreements, though her successor, John Kerry, continued these efforts, especially

regarding the Iran deal. The Department’s role was pivotal in diplomatic back-and-forth, shaping strategies, and implementing policies. The Department of Defense contributed military assessments and strategic options, especially during the Ukraine crisis and in counteracting Russian aggression.

The CIA and ODNI provided vital intelligence assessments that shaped the policy landscape. Intelligence insights about Russia’s military and cyber activities informed U.S. responses and readiness. Regarding Iran, intelligence agencies supplied critical data on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which underpinned negotiations and confidence-building measures. Their role was essential in validating diplomatic efforts and ensuring that policies were informed by accurate, real-time intelligence.

Focusing on the strongest role in the context of Russia and Iran relations, the NSC emerged as the central coordinating body in shaping and overseeing policy decisions. During the Obama years, the administration pursued a strategy of engagement and strategic patience, and the NSC played a crucial role in orchestrating the "reset" with Russia and the negotiations leading to the nuclear deal with Iran. The President relied heavily on the NSC’s expertise and the interagency process to balance diplomatic, military, and intelligence perspectives.

In conclusion, the Obama administration’s national security policy was characterized by an integrated approach involving multiple agencies, with the NSC leading the charge. The collaboration among the State Department, Defense, CIA, and ODNI facilitated a comprehensive strategy aimed at redefining U.S. relations with Russia and Iran. The prominent role of the NSC, however, underscores the importance of a coordinated, presidential-led approach in navigating complex international security challenges during this period.

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