A New National Narrative: Three Cheers for Hard Power

Helle Dale / May 02, 2011

A fascinating paradox emerges from the news that U.S. Special Forces on Sunday killed terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden in a superbly well-planned and executed raid on his Pakistani compound.

The Obama administration rightfully celebrates the most important victory in the 10-year global war on terrorism, basking in the glory of justice done to a man who plotted the murder of more than 3,000 people on U.S. soil—mostly American citizens, but also citizens of many other nations. “His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity,” said President Obama in his late evening address from the White House.

Yet at the very same time, the Administration finds itself contradicting the “national narrative” it has been carefully constructing since President Obama took office. This narrative is a Carteresque story of a nation in decline, forced toward international compromise and debilitating cuts in its military budget. But it was not multilateralism that brought Osama bin Laden down, nor was it “soft” or even “smart” power. What happened Sunday cannot be described as anything but a triumph of “hard power,” of military intelligence, skill, precision, and courage. It was also an outstanding example of the United States “going it alone.” (more…)