When generals become diplomats, who wins the war?
CASE A: The Curious Case of Admiral Cooper's Dress Uniform Diplomacy The AP reports that Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, appeared in his 'dress uniform' at indirect US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman. The article frames this as a 'reminder of the American buildup of military might in the region.' This is presented as an 'unusual step,' signifying the administration has 'upended
traditional U.S. foreign policy.' CASE B: The 'Unusual Step' That Isn't So Unusual Abroad Curiously, the framing implies this is some radical American innovation. Yet, for decades, militaries globally have been instruments of subtle and not-so-subtle power projection in diplomatic arenas. Consider China's 'wolf warrior diplomacy,' often featuring PLA generals making pronouncements on geopolitical
matters, or Russia's long-standing use of military attachés as key diplomatic conduits, a strategy dating back to the Soviet era (e.g., Soviet military advisors in Egypt in the 1960s, a visible presence symbolizing commitment). THE FRAMING: The 'Unusual' vs. The 'Traditional' The AP states, 'the choice to bring in military leaders — whether for their expertise, connections or to signal potential
tougher options — reflects how the Republican administration has upended traditional U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.' Elsewhere, the article notes Cooper's uniform served as a 'reminder of the American buildup of military might.' This 'reminder' is not framed as a threat, but as a contextual detail, almost benign. Contrast this with mainstream coverage of, say, Russian generals involved in