In Depth: For full Post coverage of Al Gore's and George W. Bush's positions on international issues, click on their names below. At a Glance: A side-by-side comparison of the candidates' stands.
In Depth: George W. Bush
George W. Bush's positions on world affairs suggest his foreign policy would resemble his father's: Expanding markets and asserting American primacy in the world order. His business-friendly agenda, however, is likely to face challenges from "Reaganite" advisers and political allies, who argue that Washington must promote American values, not just economic interests.
In Depth: Al Gore
Al Gore's foreign policy, like President Clinton's, is committed to lowering trade barriers to stimulate economic growth and democratic institutions while relying on
multinational organizations to respond to crises. A key question is how he will respond to demands from the congressional Democrats to incorporate labor and environmental standards into policy and trade agreements. At a Glance: The World According to Gore and Bush
"I'd very much like to get our troops out of [the Balkans]. I recognize we can't do it now, nor do I advocate an immediate withdrawal. That would be an abrogation of our
agreement with NATO; no one's suggesting that. But I think it ought to be one of our priorities, to work with our European friends to convince them to put troops on the ground."
–
Remarks at the Second Presidential Debate, Winston-Salem, NC, 10/11/00
"Today, U.S. forces constitute less than 20 percent of the peacekeepers in the Balkans, and European forces account for more than 80 percent. ... [T]he whole history of NATO has shown that without American leadership and involvement, NATO is not willing to act. Governor Bush's proposal would be more than a major, untested shift in
American foreign policy. It would be a damaging blow to NATO. "
–
Statement on U.S. Security Interests, 10/21/00
Missile Defense
"At the earliest possible date, my administration will deploy missile defenses to guard against attack and blackmail. Now is the time, not to defend outdated treaties, but to defend the American people."
–
Acceptance speech at Republican Convention, 8/3/00
"We believe that it is essential to [develop a national missile defense] in a way that does not destroy the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The ABM Treaty is the cornerstone of strategic stability in our relationship with Russia."
–
Speech at U.S. Military Acad., 5/27/00
"Establishing normal trade relations is the right thing for China. It is the right thing for Taiwan and our allies. It is the right thing for the United States. And with the support of both parties this year, it will be a milestone in the advance of freedom."
–
Remarks at a Boeing Corp. plant, Washington 5/17/00
"We need to maintain our commitment to the One China policy, but urge China and Taiwan to intensify their dialogue and to resolve their problems by peaceful means. The Administration is honoring its obligation to make defensive weapons available to Taiwan."
–
Remarks to the International Press Institute, 4/20/00 More on Gore and Taiwan.
China Trade
"Trade with China serves our own national interest, as well as the security interests of China's
neighbors. China is not our 'strategic partner.'"
– Remarks at Boeing, 5/17/00
"I strongly support Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China — and I will continue to press the Congress to support it this year."
– Remarks to the International Press Institute, 4/20/00
"I would cut off aid, export-import aid, IMF aid. I wouldn't cut off aid like the Nunn-Lugar aid, which is to dismantle tactical and strategic nuclear warhead, but I would deal financially with the situation."
– Remarks to
Evan, Novak, Hunt & Shields, 1/22/00 More on Bush and Russia.
"Russia must still take decisive steps to combat corruption and achieve reform. But a new Cold War is not the right path to progress. Engaging Russia is the right thing to do."
– Remarks to the International Press Institute, 4/30/00
"I support the Congress's attempt to help Pastrana develop a military and a means to be able to start destroying the production of coca leaves and cocaine [in Colombia]."
– Fox's "The O'Reilly Factor," 3/6/00
"The Alliance Against Drugs that President Zedillo and President Clinton adopted in 1997 is making progress, and we are committed to building on that progress."
– White House briefing, 2/8/99
"If [elected president], I will never place U.S. troops under U.N. command – but I do support a U.N. role in weapons inspections, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. ...America will pay its dues – but only if the U.N.'s bureaucracy is reformed, and our share of its costs is reduced."
– Letter to the Campaign for U.N. Reform, 7/26/00
"It is very important that America retain its leadership role in the United Nations, including payment of our UN dues. Through the UN, the U.S. can build international support for issues and
policies important to our foreign policy goals, and also share the financial and resource burden with other countries."
– Response to the Campaign for U.N. Reform, 7/00
Election 2000: Bush, Gore and the World
