As we watch the situation between Ukraine and Russia unfold, one thing has become very clear: there is a lack of respect for the president abroad. The Ukraine situation is bringing to light a lot of the foreign policy issues that have been plaguing President Obama for a few years now. Leadership is a concept foreign to President Obama, and his Chicago-style politics don't fly on the international stage.
Last week, Obama signed sanctions against 7 Russians and 4 Ukrainians, and the reactions showed very quickly that Obama isn't being taken seriously. Not only has Putin dismissed these sanctions, but has continued to move forward with legitimizing the annexation of Crimea to Russia. With his sanctions on individuals flopping, Obama then decided to impose more sanctions on senior individuals, banks, and the economy -- to which Putin quickly retaliated with visa bans on top US officials. This past weekend, the Ukrainian military moved out of Crimea, and Russia quickly moved in. NATO is concerned that Russia may continue into Moldova, and that Russia is trying to provoke further conflict in Ukraine. These threats and actions show Russia's clear disregard for state sovereignty, and the potential resurgence of their Cold War policy of regional bully.
Putin is not dumb- misguided, but not dumb. He has watched the way the Obama administration has mishandled Syria and Iran, which showcased the president's weak and failed attempts at diplomacy. What we are seeing in Putin's actions with respect to Crimea and Ukraine is an exploitation of Obama's international weakness. Unlike Obama, Putin understands Russia's international reputation is a big factor in its strength which is why he felt he could take the actions he has in recent weeks. But I want to be clear: I do not condone Putin's actions in any way. I do believe its high time Obama start mending our international reputation so our country can once again be taken seriously, and serve as a reminder to all nations and leaders looking to emulate Putin, that the United States will not stand for any such aggression. Unfortunately, Obama currently seems to be content with our reduced standing in the world, and allowing leaders like Putin to attempt to fill that void.