If you had thought that a Democratic administration led by Barack Obama might be more circumspect on using American troops abroad, think again. The second presidential debate between front-runner Obama and his Republican rival Senator John McCain Tuesday night was focused mostly on economic issues; but it did give some insights into the military doctrines of the two leaders.

For all his reputation as an extremist, McCain is far more cautious than Obama on using American force abroad, especially on the question of intervening in the internal affairs of other nations. In response to a question from the moderator on the so-called ‘humanitarian intervention’, Obama was gung-ho. “When genocide is happening, when ethnic cleansing is happening somewhere around the world...we have to consider it as part of our interests, our national interests, in intervening where possible. But, we’re not going to be able to be everywhere all the time.”

If Obama fuses moral concerns with national security interests, McCain’s emphasis is on making a judgment on each specific case. The Republican argued that the US should be rather careful and when and where it decides to send its troops. He argued, “we must do whatever we can to prevent genocide...But it also has to be tempered with our ability to beneficially affect the situation”.

While they both believe American power is “a force for good”, the liberals insist it is America’s duty to influence outcomes across the world and the conservatives prefer selective use of force, only when it can guarantee success and secure enduring US interests.

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