Realist or Liberal?: Theoretical Interpretations of the Obama Administration’s Counterterrorism Strategy

As a means to settle the Obama liberal-realist debate, this article examines his administration’s counterterrorism strategy, with specific attention given to three of the primary tactics employed since 9/11 to combat terrorists: targeted killings, extraordinary rendition, and torture. In general, most assume the targeted killings program to be realist-driven, while the supposed ban of torture and mitigation of extraordinary renditions to fall within the purview of liberalism. However, upon closer analysis, the president’s counterterrorism strategy has followed almost entirely the logic of realism. Each of these tactics suggests a preference to act unilaterally, flout international law, and above all, enhance national security at the expense of commonly accepted liberal international values.