A new book by 'New York Times' reporter Charlie Savage, 'Power Wars,' suggests that there has been little substantive difference between George W. Bush's administration and Obama's when it comes to national-security policies or the legal justifications used to pursue regime change in the Greater Middle East.

Greg Grandin’s quote refers to a critique presented in Charlie Savage’s book, "Power Wars", which examines U.S. national-security policies under both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. Grandin highlights the claim that, according to Savage, there has been little substantive difference in how both presidents have approached key issues such as regime change in the Greater Middle East. Despite their differing political ideologies, both administrations have relied on similar legal justifications for actions that have had significant geopolitical consequences.

The mention of regime change emphasizes one of the central themes in the foreign policies of both Bush and Obama, where the U.S. sought to remove or destabilize governments in the Middle East under the guise of promoting democracy and protecting national security. Savage’s analysis suggests that the methods used by both administrations to justify these interventions were largely similar, even though the public rhetoric and political contexts differed. This critique points to a continuity in U.S. foreign policy across different presidential administrations, particularly when it comes to military and covert actions in the Middle East.

Grandin’s reference to legal justifications is significant, as it reflects ongoing debates about the use of international law and executive power in justifying military interventions. Both Bush and Obama used legal arguments to defend their decisions to engage in military actions abroad, despite growing concerns about the legality and morality of these interventions. This raises questions about how U.S. presidents interpret and apply international law to pursue national interests, especially in regions where American involvement has led to long-term instability.

Ultimately, Grandin’s quote highlights a critical view of the U.S. foreign policy continuity between the Bush and Obama administrations, suggesting that both presidents pursued similar national-security strategies, especially in the Middle East, despite the public perception of major political differences. The emphasis on legal justifications and regime change challenges the narrative of a sharp break in foreign policy between the two administrations and invites further reflection on the broader implications of U.S. actions in the region.