Utilitarian Multilateralism: The Implications of 11 September 2001 for US Foreign Policy

In: Politics, Volume 22, Issue 2, p. 68-75

Abstract

The 11 Sept terrorist attacks have led the US to reassess its foreign policy. The overwhelming priority is the defeat of terrorism &, to further this end, the US is prepared to engage with states, regardless of their democratic credentials, willing & able to help the US on the terrorist front. There is little sign, however, that the newfound interest in promoting multilateral cooperation to deal with terrorism is spilling over into other policy areas. The US shows no sign of modifying its opposition to a number of international treaties & agreements -- eg, Kyoto, CTBT, or the ICC -- all of which its closest allies support. The US approach may be described as "utilitarian multilateralism.". Adapted from the source document.