The arguments over the presidential candidates and their positions on foreign policy are becoming more and more frequent. The foreign policies of the presidential candidates are both focused on the military.

Scott Bennett, a Penn State Professor, whose expertise is international conflict and wars, and conflict resolution, describes the U.S. foreign policy as “military heavy”. However, he does think that the United States should increase the size of the military.

“With 10,000 soldiers being tied down in Iraq, increasing the military is something we need,” said Bennett.

Michael Kenney, a Penn State professor, whose expertise is terrorism, counterterrorism and homeland security said, “No, I think it’s more than big enough now [referring to the United States military].”

Bennett considers the infamous military approach of the Bush Administration to be directly linked to John McCain.

Kenney supports that, “McCain will be more closely associated with those policies,” he said referring to Bush Administration policies on foreign policy.

McCain’s view on foreign policy is to increase the army by about 150,000 soldiers. McCain wants to try to strengthen the economy in the United States and other countries. Additionally, he will try to revitalized public diplomacy by contacting and setting up meetings with other countries.

On the other hand, Bennett considers Barack Obama the front-runner, when it comes to his position on foreign policy. “I don’t think either candidate is going to do a whole lot, but Obama will probably do a little more on this,” said Bennett.

Peter Morris an advocate and promoter of peace said, “Obama for sure,” when asked which of the candidates he preferred in the issue of foreign policy.

Kenney said, “Obama will be more effective to turn our foreign policy around.”

Obama’s plan for foreign policy is to bring the troops home in his first 16 months in office. Obama will try to launch an aggressive approach with regional diplomacy. This operation will include Iraq, Syria and Iran.

Obama wants to increase the size of the military by adding 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines. He is also for a nuclear free world.

Nuclear weapons are an issue in foreign policy. Kenny, Bennett and Morris all agree that the United States needs to use a strategy called “lead by example,” where the United States gives up their nuclear weapons so other countries will follow.

“I would hope that McCain or Obama would be a step in the right direction,” said Kenney.