Policy

“The Bush Doctrine” was known for its focus on preventative war, unilateral action, and goals for the spread of democracy, freedom, “free markets, free trade, and individual liberty.” Following the 9/11 attacks, Bush declared North Korea, Iran, and Iraq as the “Axis of Evil.” 8

 

Major Powers

 

Russia

Under his administration, in 2000, the U.S. and Russia jointly occupied the International Space station for the first time. In 2002, he withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. In 2003, Russia opposed the U.S. invasion in Iraq. 13

 

China

He emphasized the importance of human rights and religious freedom to Chinese President Hu, expressing that any future U.S. president would do the same. 16

 

Nuclear Weapons

The 2003, Congressionally-approved, U.S. invasion in Iraq was in response to intelligence reports that indicated Iraq had a factory to produce ‘weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).’ While those weapons were thought to be biological in nature, he allowed for uncertainty regarding Iraq’s possession of nuclear weapons. It was later found that Iraq had disposed of their WMDs. Regarding North Korea, by classifying the state as a member of the “Axis of Evil” Bush effectively ended Clinton-era policies with the state. 2, 8, 9

 

NATO

He motioned for Ukraine and Georgia to begin joining NATO, although Russia was resistant to this and NATO’s European members were skeptical. 17

 

Terrorism

In response to the 9/11 attacks, on September 18th, 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the “Authorization for Use of Military Force” which permitted him to attack al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan—which would be known as “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Further actions of his administration were justified under Article II, Section II, of the U.S. Constitution . His policies regarding the ‘enhanced interrogation’ [read: torturing] of non-U.S. citizens thought to be connected with terrorism garnered heavy criticism, and his military tribunals were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court due to their suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus. 8

 

Climate Change

In 2001, Bush opposed the Kyoto Protocol and withdrew the U.S. signature from it. 6

 

Trade

He expanded free trade agreements from three (3) to fourteen (14) during his presidency, which increased U.S. trade by 60 percent (2.5 trillion dollars to 4 trillion dollars), and sought agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea , which were not ratified by Congress. 4