U.S. Global Engagement

As concern grows about Russia's intentions in Ukraine and the civil war in Syria continues unabated, the United States faces increasing pressure from hawks to intervene militarily — though not with boots on the ground. But in the wake of the long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, most Americans oppose involving U.S. troops in military actions abroad. Mindful of the potential for escalation and intent on shifting resources to domestic needs, the Obama administration has been using diplomacy and economic sanctions rather than bullets to assert American power. It has refused military aid to Ukraine but imposed economic sanctions in an attempt to stem what many view as an effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring Ukraine under Moscow's control. Last year President Obama stopped short of bombing Syria after it used chemical weapons, instead sending aid for refugees of the war. Some U.S. allies applaud the administration's restraint, but others want to see more American muscle.