Machiavelli wrote it is better to be feared than loved. Barack Obama disagrees. The president is for all purposes, the temporary monarch of the U.S. Simultaneously head of state and the military, his attitude toward foreign powers is really the only one that counts.

Diplomacy is a tricky business, the slightest gesture can have immense repercussions. Customarily, the president shakes hands and gives a small tokens symbolizing our respect for other nations – but he does not bow to foreign dignitaries.

But Obama recently broke this unwritten rule. Over the weekend, the president met Japanese Emperor Akihito and greeted him with a very low bow.

While the Japanese people may have enjoyed the deference displayed toward their emperor, the American head of state should never bow to a foreign dignitary.

Only 64 years ago, America and Japan were locked in a bitter war. Thankfully, times have changed. However, it has been almost two centuries since America and England last fought, yet a bow to the Queen would be seen as a blasphemous act.

If we are not supposed to bow to Britain, then we should not bow to Japan, and especially not Saudi Arabia – which is what the president did last spring.

A small action may seem trivial in world affairs. However, the difference between a sign of deference and that of weakness is very slim. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez has, over the past few months, increasingly been kind toward Obama. At the same time, Chavez talks candidly of war with neighboring Colombia, a key U.S. ally in South America.

The personal touch to foreign affairs is a key part of the presidency. Obama plays by the buddy philosophy. He tries to be cool.

However, rather than being perceived as popular, Obama needs to be feared and respected. American military and economic might can only be respected if the leader is known to be fearless in its usage. In effect, other countries and power must know that America is not afraid to use the big stick. That fear prevents wars. The “nice guy” president does not have that associated fear.

Obama does not have to be threatening, but he has to be more assertive and speak in absolutes. A firm handshake to world leaders would be a good start, and the threat of American action following that. Obama does not have to necessarily act, but foreign leaders need to think he will.

Leaders around the world celebrate Obama’s personal touch with foreign affairs. Their nation’s citizens applaud his perceived humility and the change in tone of America. None of that matters. A happy China does not necessarily mean Americans are happy. A quarter million Germans chanting Obama at the Brandenburg Gate has no impact on foreign trade or the war on terror.

The president has to do what is best for America. If that means stepping on toes and treating monarchs as equals, then so be it. It’s better to be feared than ineffective.