Seeking a Prudent Foreign Policy

In the introduction to The Right War? The Conservative Debate in Iraq, editor Gary Rosen ponders the questions that conservatives have been asking about America's role in the world for nearly all of American history, especially this past century. "Should America retreat from the world, deal with the world as it is, or try to transform it in its own image? Which school of thought – traditionalist, realist, or neoconservative – is truest to the country’s ideals and interests?"

Throw Pat Buchanan in that first group, Henry Kissinger in that second group, and William Kristol in the third group. But where do I throw myself? I typically think of myself as a "realist" but I would also subscribe to the "traditionalist" mindset. After all, in the past four years, I have become a big fan of the works of Russell Kirk, perhaps the intellectual leader of tradtionalists. Kirk always spoke of a "prudent foreign policy," meaning that at times we must take action if they are in our national interest, but that we also must consider the long-term implications of such actions, for that is even more vital to our national interest.

Rosen poses many questions for us to consider as we dive through the 21 chapters of this book, which are articles that come from a mix of traditionalist, realists, and neo-conservatives.

What does American history teach about the nature and limits of U.S. power? Are deterrence and containment still viable national-security doctrines in an age of suicide terrorism and weapons of mass destruction?

What value should we attach to stability in parts of the world where the social and political status quo abets violent extremism? Should the U.S. – can the U.S. – be an agent for democratic change? Does such an agenda demand more cooperation with other nations, or less?

Does the promotion of American principles serve American interests? If not, how should the two be reconciled?

These are the questions under review. Perhaps I'll be able to provide some answers for them by the end of the month. The key question that I'll be keeping in mind: what solution will best help us defend the U.S. from Islamic terrorists and other potential foreign threats? Has the war and U.S. occupation in Iraq been a positive step in this effort or a step backward?