National Interest & Balance of Power -- Back to the Future?

     Is President Obama now approaching international diplomacy more realistically by focusing on national interest and balance of power? Something championed by Kissinger and as epitomized by Kissinger's diplomacy with China.

     It seems he might by his recent activities ranging from Cuba to Iran, and to other  Middle East hot spots. Is this a rejection of neocon moralism? And as they say is this back to the future?

     If it is I say it's about time.

    This is what international relations has always been about. First and foremost it's about  national security in its diverse aspects. U.S. foreign policy needs to incorporate diplomacy, trade, and international institutions, in addition to traditional military and intelligence tools, in measured ways to achieve its objectives. These objectives include greater global stability and helping to manage a more decentralized system, without unilateral misadventures.

     There needs to be an alignment between our interests, capabilities, public opinion, and our aspirations. Welcome to the new 'old' foreign policy.

"Obama and Kissinger Realism." Financial Times (4.20.15).