The Power of Personality in Decision-Making : A Study of Obama's Decision to Launch Air Strikes in Syria

Abstract: Barack Obama’s personality is studied to understand how the personality of a leader can contribute to the decision-making process in foreign policy. The study connects literature from foreign policy analysis as well as psychology to contribute with an example of how these two fields of study can be used simultaneously. Barack Obama is examined through the Five-Level Model of personality in order to understand his characteristics and his behavior. Each level of Obama’s personality is analyzed in regard to the decision to use air strikes towards the terrorist organization Daesh in Syria. The findings show that Obama prefer softer and more peaceful tactics, but also that he has a strong determination to fulfill his goals and to use force when America is faced with a direct threat.