GOV 312L Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Superpower 2, Isolationism, Global Commons
Document Summary
Selective engagement (can also be called offshore balancing): to intervene in regions of the world only if they directly affect our security and prosperity . Overarching goal is to prevent great power war. It shares key elements with isolationism in that it is quite mindful of the limits of. However, selective engagement possesses at least 3 important differences with isolationism: those advocates selective engagement acknowledge and even embrace america"s global position as a superpower, those advocating selective engagement are also more comfortable with diplomacy (international relations). The give and take or balance of power politics and the need for credible commitments between friendly countries with common enemies and common interests. So, selective engagement is focused on great power relations. It strives to preserve a stable balance of power among the great powers hesitant to enter in conflicts between smaller power unless it expands, and great powers join it wants stability and peace in great power relations.
