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"we need to be clear-eyed about the strengths and shortcomings of international institutions that were developed to deal with the challenges of an earlier time and the shortage of political will that has at times stymied the enforcement of international norms. Yet it would be destructive to both American national security and global security if the United States used the emergence of new challenges and the shortcoming of the international system as a reason to walk away from it."
Instead, he stresses focusing on strengthening it to "serve common interests," mostly benefitting America.
Bush and Obama both identified WMD proliferation as an major threat, "particularly the danger posed by the pursuit of nuclear weapons by violent extremists and their proliferation to additional states." They both recognized the importance of military and police power to combat it, and according to Obama's NSS:
"The United States must reserve the right to act unilaterally if necessary to defend our nation and our interests." In other words, like Bush, preemptive war will be pursued to combat perceived threats.
Also, both presidents stressed US leadership, Bush's 2006 NSS saying:
"The challenges America faces are great, yet we have enormous power and influence to address those challenges." The "time has long since passed" that Washington can lead by example alone. "America cannot know peace, security, and prosperity by retreating from the world. America must lead by deed as well as example."
As true for Obama stressing "global leadership (dependent on) strong and responsible American leadership" directing it to ensure other nations follow.
Overall, the language and tone differ, but policy remains the same - permanent wars in a threatening world, America in the lead waging them along with willing partners offering support; that is, until they cut their losses and opt out.
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