analyze the consequence of the diplomancy of bismarck
Answers
Bismarck's approach does not fit American political culture, however. Henry Kissinger, a student and admirer of Bismarck and the man who tried to introduce the subtle ways of European diplomatic history into US foreign policy, remarked more than once that Americans were not cynical enough to behave like Bismarck. He meant that in the past they were too idealistic and these days are probably too ideological, unable to see the world in shades of grey, rather than in black and white, and balance righteous unilateral instincts with internationalist calculation and principles.
The reference to Bismarck as a diplomatic revolutionary who became a conservative may be a partial guide to the likely evolution of the US in a second Bush presidency. But the administration over the next four years will be a hybrid of radical domestic policy, pursued by a president bolstered by his electoral support, and more moderate foreign policy, constrained by reality.
The world is even more complex than when Mr Bush first took office. The president may be in control of the Congress and of the US judiciary but he does not control the future of Iraq, the greater Middle East or North Korea. Russia is now a problem, not a solution, as it has been for most of the past 10 years. Irrespective of his antipathy towards the United Nations or his lack of true interest in allies, in his second "consolidation" term, Mr Bush will have to rely much more on his allies than he did during his first term.
What could this mean for practical diplomacy? Take Ms Rice's often quoted post-Iraq formula for US relations with its allies: "Forgive Russia, forget Germany, punish France." If one had to rewrite it today, it would probably read: "Beware Russia, embrace Germany, ignore France." Americans are not yet ready, in spite of French diplomatic efforts, to include Paris as a trusted partner. The US president's interest in the strategy of Bismarck the consolidator may reassure Europeans. The question is: is it realistic for Mr Bush to pursue it?
The writer is a senior adviser at the French Institute for InternationalRelations
Explanation:
The main aims of Bismarck's foreign policy were based around the need to keep France isolated and prevent this from happening. To achieve this aim he needed to keep on good terms with both Austria and Russia. This would prevent a two-front war in the future.