Barack Obama and the King of Saudi Arabia
In April 2009, newly elected president Barack Obama caused quite a stir when he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia. At a meeting in Riyadh, the former president lowered his head in a sign of respect to the king, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, igniting debate about whether Obama’s actions were appropriate.
The act itself was interpreted differently by both political observers in the United States as well as foreign dignitaries. Administration defenders pointed out that in a foreign culture, it is perfectly acceptable to show reverence through a bow. In some similar cultures, it would be seen as an insult not to bow. On the other hand, critics of Obama alleged that it was inappropriate for him to bow in front of a foreign leader and in doing so, respect a monarchy.
The debate further escalated when commentators touched upon the alleged underlying implications of Obama’s gesture. Some argued that a bow by an American president is a sign of surrendering America’s superiority, while others noted that the gesture was a sign of respect that has been carried out countless times by various officials, particularly those who visited Saudi Arabia.
Experts in foreign relations add that bowing functions as a form of diplomacy, helping to create a bond between two parties from different nations. Such an interaction is meant to promote understanding between the two parties, fostering amiable relations between them. Furthermore, foreign dignitaries must take into account the customs and behavior rules of the country who they are visiting; failing to do so often results in embarrassment or discontent.
In Obama’s case, bowing was an outwardly expression of respect, not a sign of surrendering American power. Eight years after Obama’s bowing incident, the practice is no longer controversial or uncommon. For example, former President Donald Trump, who was critical of Obama’s decision to bow, bowed in front of the King of Saudi Arabia and the Queen of England during his presidential visit in 2018.
President Donald Trump
During President Donald Trump’s visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2018, he bow down in front of King Salman. Although Trump had commented negatively on Barack Obama’s decision to bow to the same leader, he chose to pay homage the same way. Even though some suggested that the foreign leader should not receive the same gesture as a president, it was considered respectful to bow in front of the King of Saudi Arabia.
Many believed that the foreign gesture was indicative of exchanging of mutual respect and a strong commitment to fostering positive relationships for both parties. Experts argued that it was necessary to conform to the country’s protocols in order to recognize the unique foreign customs and protocol.
Nonetheless, some remained skeptical of Trump’s decision and argued that it lacked genuine respect. Furthermore, various commentators assumed that it was a sign of blindness towards the authoritarian regime, and human rights abuses in the country. Political scientist also questioned if President Trump bowed in order to suit his own political agenda.
cultural norms of respect
Understanding and adapting to the cultural norms of respect is a key component in successful foreign diplomacy. Failing to do so could insult the host country and potentially harm the relationship between a foreign delegation and the host country. Depending on the region of the world, there are various customs for showing respect.
In many Asian countries, bowing is a culturally accepted show of respect and not considered a sign of surrender. It does not necessarily indicate that one group is superior to the other; instead it is a sign of camaraderie and understanding. For example, in Japan it is common for visitors to bow when greeting the residents in order to demonstrate respect and appreciation.
In Saudi Arabia, it is the same. Bowing is a sign of respect and showing it is often more valuable than any transactional or verbal exchange between two parties. Therefore, when Obama and Trump bowed to the king, it was considered by many an expression of mutual respect and friendship.
Western Perspectives
In many Western countries, bowing is not part of the customary way of saying hello or of respecting authority. Instead, it is seen as a relic of monarchical systems, and is not as prominent in day to day life. This is one of the main reasons why Obama’s bow caused an uproar in the United States.
Aside from this, some were also questionable of the geopolitical implications of bowing, suggesting that it gives foreign leaders too much power and authority.
It is true that one of the duties of the president of the United States is not to bow to the kings and princes of other countries. However, it is also the president’s duty to be respectful of other countries and to foster goodwill with foreign nations. It is a difficult line to walk, and at times the president must make judgement calls that may not sit well with all citizens.
International Dynamics
The dynamic between different countries, and in particular the relationship between the United States and countries in the Middle East, is constantly shifting. Given the complex international relations at the time of Obama’s bowing incident, it is hard to judge the decision in a vacuum.
Obama made the decision to garner favor in the region, likely to ensure that the United States could work with them peacefully. This could be seen as a sign that the United States is not exempt from international customs and protocols, despite its profound influence around the world.
Impact of Social Media
In 2009, the impact of social media was relatively unknown. Immediate viral videos of world leaders had few repercussions, however that is not necessarily true today. In the age of the internet, videos and comments can spread faster then ever before, creating a culture around a single event, no matter how minor.
Social media sparked reactions to Obama’s bow that likely shaped the conversation about it for years to come. Without the internet, people would have been a lot more hostile about the issue, as well as on the president’s ability to represent his own country effectively and respectfully.
The heightened public perception enabled a more dynamic and open discussion on Obama’s actions, one that involved observations from a variety of stakeholders. The President and his team were able to learn from the incident and take away lessons that hopefully made them better prepared for future engagements.
International Diplomacy
The media coverage of Barack Obama’s action to bow to the King of Saudi Arabia put international diplomacy in the spotlight. For citizens of the United States, it was an opportunity to learn more about the complexities of interacting with different nations.
In order to to establish and maintain productivity between two countries, it is absolutely essential to be aware of and respect foreign customs and protocols. Despite the differences in opinion about the appropriateness of Obama’s bow at the time, it is now a generally accepted part of the broader foreign relations practice.
Experts believe that diplomacy is often about using procedures that may be foreign, such as bowing, as a form of respect. Common sense and etiquette play an important role in successful foreign relations, and paying respect is a crucial part of that.
Roles of the President
The role of the president of the United States is to move forward while keeping in mind both the national interest as well as respecting foreign customs. Protocols such as bowing are used together with other methods of respect in order to develop a strong working relationship between the countries.
Therefore, besides being an expert in domestic and international politics, presidential candidates should also possess an understanding of diplomatic relations in order to navigate conversations about foreign relations effectively. Ultimately, the mission of the president is to represent the United States on the world stage in an agile and respectful manner.
Conclusion
Eight years after Obama visited the King of Saudi Arabia and bowed, bowing is no longer seen with alarm. In 2018, so too did President Trump bowed before the same leader. This demonstrates the evolution of diplomatic customs and practices, and how the President must navigate foreign relations while ensuring to respect the customs of other countries.
