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8 December 2004
US Foreign Policy: An enlightening speech
The bombastically appellated Caltech Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion group hosted Stanley J. Michalak, professor of government at the Franklin and Marshall College who delivered a very insightful speech on United States foreign policy. Prof. Michalak characterised the different classes and beliefs prevalent in the history of United States foreign policy. There are the liberal internationalists, comprising mainly of the Democrats like Bill Clinton, John Kerry etc. who swear by collective security and multilateralism. The problem with liberal internationalism is that of conflicts between justice and power -- take for instance the hypothetical scenario when China or North Korea indulged in an act of aggression. In such a case, it is impossible to launch an attack at either country keeping in mind the balance of power both countries have brought about by way of a nuclear deterrent. Similarly, there are problems related to conflicts between justice and costs. The liberal internationalists are however guided by some moral values and universal principles whereas the political realists comprising of George Kennan, Henry Kissinger, George H. W. Bush are more pragmatic of the situation and believe more in tact and diplomacy than in explicit theosophical preferences. They seek to avoid the crusading spirit (e.g. typifying the Muslim nations so blanketedly) and empathise with their enemy. Political realism suffers from the plight of being branded as unAmericanism. There are those who believe in intervention and pre-emption but are not averse to unilateral action. This includes George W. Bush, Richard Perle, John Bolton etc. There are also the neo-isolationists like Pat Buchanan and others who believe in no intervention at all. The flaws with this however pertain to increased nuclear proliferation and uncertainty in involving the United States back into the picture once it opts out.Prof. Michalak combined a thorough grasp of facts with his quick wit and without revealing his own preferences and favourite foreign policy philosophy regaled us all with his most enjoyable speech.
