During the campaign, Mr Bush was asked how he would project the country abroad as president.

The Bush team has talked of pulling peacekeepers out of Kosovo

That is a question that Mr Bush wrestled with throughout his run for president.

"Our nation stands alone right now in the world in terms of power, and that is why we've got to be humble and yet project strength in a way that promotes freedom," Mr Bush said during one of the presidential debates.

Under Bill Clinton, US troops went to Haiti to restore democracy. Mr Bush says that was a mistake.

In Kosovo, 5,000 US troops are serving as peacekeepers. The Bush team has talked of pulling them out quickly.

"As a style of foreign policy, one could argue that the Bush style will be steadier. I think there will be a more rigorous analysis before they engage, but perhaps more implacable once they do engage themselves," former secretary of state Henry Kissinger said.

Missile defence

America's pursuit of a missile defence system capable of a shooting down incoming nuclear warheads in space promises to be a major source of tension.

Mr Bush has made it clear that he will promote a national missile defence system

Nato allies are sceptical. Russia and China are deeply opposed.

Nonetheless, Colin Powell told senators considering his nomination as secretary of state that the Bush team would build a Star Wars-style defensive shield.

"President-elect Bush has made it quite clear that he is committed to deploying an effective ballistic missile defence using the best technology available at the earliest date possible," Mr Powell said.

Mr Bush himself is a foreign policy novice, but the team around him has long experience.

That could be significant because he is likely to face early tests in his dealing with Russia, China and the Nato allies.