17 - The New World Disorder: Bush and Clinton, 1991–2001

Summary

The George H. W. Bush administration proceeded to consolidate the US victory in the Cold War. It wanted a New World Order, a democratic peace to replace the Cold War competition. It began NATO expansion to Eastern Europe and became involved in Somalia but remained aloof from the growing tragedies in former Yugoslavia. Bill Clinton succeeded Bush as president. He combined no interest in foreign affairs with no knowledge of them, and insisted there was no such thing as grand strategy. He emphasized economics above all else and followed one course while his national security team followed another. The administration bungled regime efforts in Somalia and Haiti. National Security advisor Anthony Lake tried to implement a grand strategy of democratic enlargement, but other administration figures gave little support. The administration continued NATO expansion, fought wars in Bosnia and Kosovo against the Serbs, and waged a low-level struggle against Iraq. Clinton produced a budget surplus and economic growth.