Bill Clinton assumed office during a particularly challenging period of American history. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States enjoyed a period of unprecedented power and authority. Clinton was elected to office largely for his domestic policies, however, his vision for America's position in the post-Cold War world steered his foreign policy, particularly with respect to Europe.;Clinton's vision was more inclusive and encompassing than that of his predecessor, George H. W. Bush. During the post-Cold War years, Bush was more inclined to let Europe sort out their own problems, particularly in the case of Bosnia. Clinton, however, was more willing to see post-Cold War European problems as American issues. The Bosnian War represents a point where these two ideals collided. Guided by this vision, Clinton overcame challenges from the European Community, political adversaries, and even his own public en route to intervening in Bosnia. |