Observers both here and abroad are worried that the second administration of U.S. President George W. Bush may assume a more unilateralist stance in foreign policy. Such concern stems mainly from the imminent resignation of Secretary of State Colin Powell, a firm believer in international coordination who consistently advocated a different foreign-policy approach from that recommended by the Bush administration's hardliners. It is feared that the departure of Mr. Powell, who will step down after his successor is confirmed by the U.S. Senate in January, will take an important foot off the brakes on the Bush administration.
Ms. Condoleezza Rice, Mr. Bush's national security adviser, has been nominated to succeed Mr. Powell. So far Ms. Rice has played a very modest coordinating role in the administration, and her lack of presence is one reason for the widespread uncertainty about her overseas. There are, however, some who believe that the appointment of Ms. Rice -- a close friend of President Bush and a pragmatist -- indicates a shift away from unilateralism and toward international coordination. It is premature, therefore, to be entirely pessimistic.
Depending on the course of President Bush's diplomacy in his second term, there is a danger that the anti-Bush mood that has spread on a global scale could escalate into an anti-American mood, which would have serious, long-term consequences. Therefore, it is urgent that the United States learn from its bitter experiences in Iraq. The war in Iraq is a lesson in the failure of a foreign policy that neglects international coordination. Washington will have to shift to a foreign policy that takes the concerns of the international community into more serious consideration.