Answer:
George H.W. Bush's decisions to use force in some foreign disputes while abstaining in others were influenced by various factors, including:
1. National Interest: Bush prioritized interventions that directly impacted U.S. national interests, such as defending Kuwait in the Gulf War, where vital oil resources were at stake. In other situations, where the interests were less clear or immediate, he might have opted for diplomatic solutions.
International Support: Bush sought international legitimacy and support for military actions. In cases like the Gulf War, he garnered broad international coalition support, making military intervention more feasible and effective. In contrast, lack of international consensus might have deterred intervention in other conflicts.
2. Military Capability: Assessment of the military capability and feasibility of achieving objectives played a significant role. In cases where military action was deemed too risky or impractical, such as in the Balkans conflicts during his presidency, Bush might have opted for diplomatic efforts instead.
3. Domestic Political Considerations: Bush also considered domestic political factors, including public opinion and congressional support. Military intervention might have faced opposition or lacked sufficient domestic support in certain situations, influencing his decision-making.
4. Humanitarian Concerns: While Bush expressed concern for humanitarian issues, such as in Somalia, he balanced these with strategic interests and practical considerations. The complexity of humanitarian crises and the risk of mission creep might have dissuaded him from military intervention in some cases.
5. Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism: Bush generally favored multilateral approaches and sought to work through international institutions like the United Nations. However, he was willing to act unilaterally, as seen in the invasion of Panama, when deemed necessary for U.S. interests or security.