Topic: "Poly Sci 101"(9)
The behavioral sciences is terminology applicable to the study of human behavior utilizing the scientific method. Causal relationships exist in electronics, for example, as well as they do in human intercourse (check spelling if uncomfortable with the above). If one turns a light switch to the "ON" position, it follows that the inevitable result is a much brighter environment, if, that is, for example, the light bulb is operative. By the same token, if a government stock piles weaponry, then the inevitable result will eventually be an explosion. This short treatise helps explain why Frodo, amongst all the pundits in all the world appears to be the only one who has a clue about American Foreign Policy.
It is easily verifiable to any student of history that for the past fifty or so years, the United States of America has engaged "limited warfare" as a major, if not the major, course of action in order to confront apparent skullduggery. Korea, Kosovo, Vietnam, Iraq, Grenada, Nicaragua, Afghanistan are familiar names where American resources, both physical and human, were expended in the betterment of "American interests abroad." The costs have been astronomical, with little accomplishment documented for scholarly study. Truthfully, can any of Frodo's conservative friends produce any material reason for the "rescue" of the then-medical students in Grenada who have now become eligible providers of benefit under the Affordable Care Act? Does anyone remember why negotiations broke down? "Were there any negotiations before hand", asks a befuddled hobbit? Why a limited war, and not a peace conference in New Hampshire?
Because Ronald Reagan hadn't had a war to call his own.
In truth, by the end of Reagan's presidency, the preferred course of action in international disputes involving the United States was "limited war." Look it up, if you dare.
Barack Obama clearly understands that the threat of American military action is a formidable deterrent. Holding the threat at arm's length gives him, or any President, the capability to achieve objectives with more conventional diplomacy. Economic sanctions are crippling Iran. Cuba has been stricken with statewide poverty. In fact, the capacity of the United States to achieve its will with dollars has worked almost everywhere, and sometimes in place of a costly "limited war."
For those still confused by the world outside the borders of our land, Frodo says "Wake up and smell the coffee." The Russians need us to help patrol their borders with the Islamic world, and they only have one consistent warm-water port in that part of Middle Earth. They cannot risk economic pressure theemselves, much less in their great trading partner, Syria. There should be no surprise that an intelligent leader can get his way by a methodology that emphasizes negotiation, and de-emphasizes the expense of war, and another repeat of the collapse of empire.
That's what Frodo knew.