Obama's failure to close Guantanamo is yet another instance where the rhetoric of democratic and constitutional rights proved not useful for his international relations, relations which are always pursued in ways that continue to link and fortify securitarian power with the opening of new markets.

In this quote, Judith Butler critiques the failure of Barack Obama to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp during his presidency. Butler argues that Obama’s rhetoric surrounding democratic and constitutional rights—which was central to his campaign—was ultimately ineffective in the context of international relations. Instead of prioritizing human rights or ethical principles, Obama’s diplomatic actions often reinforced the securitarian power that continues to justify the use of force and surveillance.

Butler suggests that the rhetoric of democratic ideals was often sidelined in favor of maintaining and strengthening global power structures. She asserts that international relations are often shaped by the interplay between securitarian policies—which include military presence and intelligence gathering—and the pursuit of new markets. This alignment between security interests and economic expansion suggests that global relations frequently prioritize geopolitical control and capitalist agendas over upholding human rights or democratic values.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Butler's scholarship on power dynamics, particularly her critiques of how global politics and human rights are intertwined with capitalism and security measures. Her work often explores how the language of rights and freedoms is used in ways that perpetuate underlying systems of oppression and control, especially when they conflict with economic or security interests.

Butler’s statement highlights the tension between rhetoric and action in political leadership. The failure to close Guantanamo, despite Obama's promises, reveals a deeper disconnect between the ideals promoted by politicians and the political realities shaped by the demands of global security and the economic forces at play.