Definitely Maybe : What's the Real Obama Signature on US Defence Policies?

Several challenges that Obama faced in his first four years in office remain at the top of his agenda. Yet, the circumstances in which they are to be met are considerably changed. Obama’s second term foreign policy is suffering from a number of domestic and international constraints: The American public is tired of war, the economic slow-down leads to severe cuts on defense budget, austerity in Europe is negatively affecting NATO international commitment and Obama's support abroad and at home is lessened. This paper explores how the Obama administration is coping with these constraints. It focuses on elements of evolution and continuity in U.S. foreign and security policies in four policy area: (a) strategic planning; (b) the strategic shift toward Asia; (c) mission in Afghanistan; and (d) war on terrorism and the use of drones.