It’s hard to pick President Obama’s worst foreign policy mistake.  As far as I’m concerned, his general conduct of American foreign policy has been subpar and a bit too Carteresque.  According to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney the New START Treaty is a leading candidate for this administration’s worst foreign policy mistake.  In an op-ed in yesterday’s WaPo, Romney presented a very clear argument in opposition to the New START Treaty.  I agree wholeheartedly with his advice that the treaty, in its current state, should not be ratified by the United States Senate.  Romney argues, “He [Obama] acceded to Russia’s No. 1 foreign policy objective, the abandonment of our Europe-based missile defense program, and obtained nothing whatsoever in return.”  I have no problem giving something up to receive something in return–that’s how negotiations work.  But it’s unclear to me what exactly we are receiving in return.

Entering into treaties is serious business because it reduces our sovereignty.  How does this treaty advance the national interest?  That is the question I would need answered, if I were voting on this in the Senate.  Flowery language about “Global Zero” and nuclear disarmament would not suffice.  To use an Obama phrase, let me be clear:  I think a productive relationship with the Russian Federation could be a strategic asset in the coming decades, especially with the rise of China now upon us.  However, a productive working relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.  This treaty is simply too one-sided to create the foundation for a stronger relationship with Moscow.

For an opposing view, check out Pavel Podvig’s response.