More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt advised America to speak softly and carry a big stick. Today that advice has morphed into what's called "smart power" in international relations -- the mix of military power with diplomatic, economic, institutional, and alliances to get things done. We attended a panel Thursday that looked at America's role in the world, and how it's changing. The panel included Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State; Michele Flournoy, adviser to the Secretary of Defense and a woman in the small entrusted circle involved in President Obama's decision that ended the life of of Osama bin Laden; and Senator Diane Feinstein of California, who chairs the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence. Two men, including the recent ambassador to India, also were on the panel... Key messages we took away: 1) Foreign policy issues are complex because they no longer just involve countries. They involve "non-State actors" like terrorist groups which demand concerted cooperation and "21st century tools" to root out. A "cold war" mentality and belligerent tones hurt us. 2) New or reinforced US "power" approaches include posting more foreign service officers in hot spots, and requiring more cooperation between the Pentagon, intelligence agencies, and State Department to coordinate action. 3) Coalitions and alliances are increasingly important tools, especially when it comes to global trade and commerce -- 90% of trade goes by water, and two-thirds of all the oil transported is by sea. 4) South America is a tough place for foreign policy -- "damned if we do, damned if we don't," said Albright. 5) At 75, Albright remains feisty and engaged in the political debate: "When I was Secretary of State, I had all my partisan instincts surgically removed. But they grow back." 6) Though the forum was well attended, foreign policy is low on the political totem pole for this election. For us, with a son in Afghanistan, it's crucial that the US gets it right and keeps the right man in charge.Friday, September 7, 2012
Speak Softly, Carry Big Stick
More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt advised America to speak softly and carry a big stick. Today that advice has morphed into what's called "smart power" in international relations -- the mix of military power with diplomatic, economic, institutional, and alliances to get things done. We attended a panel Thursday that looked at America's role in the world, and how it's changing. The panel included Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State; Michele Flournoy, adviser to the Secretary of Defense and a woman in the small entrusted circle involved in President Obama's decision that ended the life of of Osama bin Laden; and Senator Diane Feinstein of California, who chairs the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence. Two men, including the recent ambassador to India, also were on the panel... Key messages we took away: 1) Foreign policy issues are complex because they no longer just involve countries. They involve "non-State actors" like terrorist groups which demand concerted cooperation and "21st century tools" to root out. A "cold war" mentality and belligerent tones hurt us. 2) New or reinforced US "power" approaches include posting more foreign service officers in hot spots, and requiring more cooperation between the Pentagon, intelligence agencies, and State Department to coordinate action. 3) Coalitions and alliances are increasingly important tools, especially when it comes to global trade and commerce -- 90% of trade goes by water, and two-thirds of all the oil transported is by sea. 4) South America is a tough place for foreign policy -- "damned if we do, damned if we don't," said Albright. 5) At 75, Albright remains feisty and engaged in the political debate: "When I was Secretary of State, I had all my partisan instincts surgically removed. But they grow back." 6) Though the forum was well attended, foreign policy is low on the political totem pole for this election. For us, with a son in Afghanistan, it's crucial that the US gets it right and keeps the right man in charge.
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