Condoleezza Rice Influence Impact in Bush Administration

Condoleezza Rice's current job title is Secretary to the President on National Security Affairs. This job is alternatively called "National Security Advisor." She was appointed to this position by President George W. Bush after his inauguration in January 2000. This appointment was historic. This is the first time a woman and an African-American has a position of national importance. (Wade, 2003)

The 48-year-old Dr. Rice brings to the position impeccable credentials. She is a brilliant tactician and considered a genius in foreign affairs and matters of National Security. In 1989, she was director of Soviet and East European affairs with the National Security Council. She also was appointed special assistant President George Bush (Sr.) for national security affairs. She was senior director for Soviet affairs at the National Security Council at a critical moment in World History when glasnost and perestroika were just taking root in the former Soviet Union. Dr. Rice also helped bring democratic reforms to Poland, and played a vital role in crafting many of the (former) Bush administration's policies with the former Soviet Union.

Dr. Rice has an eloquent speaking style. She has also written several books and articles on history and International relations. She is a scholar who enrolled in the University at age 15; graduated at 19 and then went on to receive masters and doctoral degrees. Hers is a compelling story. She grew up in the Deep South at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. She rose (from humble beginnings) to become dean at the prestigious Stanford University. (ExpandNATO.org, 2003)

During peaceful times, national security is not a major consideration and the National Security Advisor does not make news. People are lulled into a sense of complacency. But the events of 9/11 ensured that Americans will never be complacent again. President Bush's first term has been turbulent. During war times, where America is not only the aggressor (justifiably) but also has to defend itself from incidents of terrorism, the National Security Advisor's job comes to the fore. At this Condoleezza Rice has shown.

On the heels of the Powell doctrine -- which brought so much success during the Gulf War of 1991 (namely conduct war with force overwhelmingly more than the enemy (Procter, 2003), in order to end the war and casualties quickly) comes the Bush doctrine which means preemptive strike. It is perhaps inspired by Dr. Rice; or at least, it is Dr. Rice who wholly espouses this doctrine. This doctrine has been very useful. Dr. Rice has been responsible for issuing initiatives associated with internal security. This involves mobilizing internal security services like the FBI, local police while also beefing up airline security. On the International Front, the United States has engaged in two preemptive wars. The first was almost immediately after 9/11. This was the war against the Taliban which was routed from Afghanistan and now struggles to survive. The second was the war against Iraq where official hostilities did not last long. The war against Al Qaeda still goes on which surprisingly good results -- though it would be premature to declare victory.